Kompany Warns Bayern Against Complacency Ahead of Bremen Clash
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has warned his side against underestimating Werder Bremen ahead of their Bundesliga meeting on Friday, as the champions look to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Bayern are the only side with four wins from four, holding a two-point lead over rivals Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarians host a Bremen side sitting 14th after a sluggish start.
“They have a coach (Horst Steffen) in his first Bundesliga season, but he has enjoyed success in the past,” said Kompany, who guided Bayern to the league title in his debut campaign last year. “Their style is unique, but for us it’s simple: we play at home, we’re ready, and we want to win.”
Friday’s clash will mark the 117th meeting between the two clubs — the most-played fixture in Bundesliga history. While Bayern have lost 27 times to Bremen, they have dominated recent encounters, losing just once in the last 31 league meetings, a 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena in January 2024.
Bayern come into the match riding a run of seven straight wins in all competitions — their best start in seven years. Under Kompany, they are looking to extend that record further.
Much will depend on England striker Harry Kane, who has scored eight goals and registered three assists in his first four league games — the best combined tally since such stats were first recorded in 2004-05. Should he score twice against Bremen in what would be his 104th Bayern appearance, Kane will reach the 100-goal milestone faster than Cristiano Ronaldo (105 games for Real Madrid) and Erling Haaland (105 for Manchester City).
Behind him, Serge Gnabry has also stepped up, scoring in each of his last three league games and assisting in the opening 6-0 rout of Leipzig. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund praised the 30-year-old ahead of their recent 4-1 win at Hoffenheim: “Not long ago, the media were talking about him being sold. Now the conversation is about extending his contract.”
