On the eve of a highly anticipated confrontation in the Champions League, the media game is in full swing. In this ballet of declarations where each word is weighed, Vincent Kompany has chosen an approach that is, to say the least, courteous. The Bayern Munich coach has publicly expressed his admiration for Paris Saint-Germain, his future opponent. An outing that clashes with the usual tension of these European meetings, where deadly little sentences are often required to launch hostilities.
A displayed respect for the Parisian collective
The former Belgian defender did not mince his words. He says he is “very impressed by the team spirit, the ability to recover the balls and the individual quality” of the capital club. Kompany goes further by describing Luis Enrique’s work as “revolutionary”, hailing the collective strength of the reigning European champion. For him, focusing on a single player would be a mistake, because the real power of PSG now lies in its ability “to work as a team in all phases of the game”.
This analysis, both lucid and flattering, can be interpreted in several ways. On the one hand, it shows sincere respect for a team which has been able to combine talent and discipline to reach the summits. On the other hand, it resembles a classic strategy aimed at placing the opponent on a pedestal to better knock him down. By calling Paris the favorite, Kompany is perhaps also trying to ease the pressure on his own players’ shoulders.
The end of the break at kick-off
However, this façade of friendliness cannot mask the real issues. Once on the pitch, the music will be very different. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also gave another, more direct tone: “we want to hurt”. This fierce desire to assert itself is fueled by exceptional dynamics. Bayern Munich remains on an impressive streak of fifteen consecutive victories and intends to extend it in Paris. There is also a scent of revenge in the air, after a defeat against the same PSG during the last Club World Cup.
The chess game has already begun. Kompany advances his pawns diplomatically, but his team prepares for a merciless battle. Compliments, however sincere they may be, will quickly be forgotten as soon as the referee blows the whistle for kick-off. Because in this type of match, only victory is courteous.
