Bayern leave Ismael Saibari waiting as Kompany sticks with Brown in midfield

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has named his starting line-up for Friday’s Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart, with new Morocco international Ismael Saibari again among the substitutes.

Saibari’s omission means Kompany has chosen not to hand the summer arrival a starting role in Bayern’s first league match of the season. The decision follows the same pattern seen in the club’s opening competitive fixture, when Saibari was also left on the bench for the German Super Cup meeting with Borussia Dortmund.

Instead, Kompany has selected Nathaniel Brown in the attacking midfield position. Brown is primarily a full-back, but the Bayern manager has continued to use him further forward as he shapes his side for the start of the Bundesliga campaign.

The choice highlights Kompany’s willingness to alter Brown’s position, while Saibari waits for his opportunity to make an impact after joining Bayern this summer. The Moroccan arrived in Munich following impressive performances for PSV Eindhoven and the Morocco national team.

Bayern go into the match as the reigning Bundesliga champions and began the new campaign with victory over Borussia Dortmund. They won that German Super Cup contest 2-1 at Signal Iduna Park last Saturday.

That success provided Bayern with a positive start under Kompany as they look to defend their league title. The meeting with VfB Stuttgart is their first Bundesliga fixture of the new season, and Saibari will begin the match watching from the substitutes’ bench once again.

Kompany’s decision also maintains the role he gave Brown in Bayern’s first match of the campaign. Rather than selecting the former full-back in his usual defensive position, the manager has placed him in the attacking midfield area for a second consecutive competitive game.

For Saibari, the match offers another opportunity to become involved from the bench after his move to Germany. His arrival followed a strong spell with PSV Eindhoven and recognition at international level with Morocco, but he will have to wait for his first start under Kompany.

Bayern’s opening league assignment comes against VfB Stuttgart, with the champions aiming to carry the momentum from their 2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund into the Bundesliga. Kompany has therefore opted for continuity in his selection, keeping Brown in the role he used in the Super Cup and leaving Saibari as an alternative among the substitutes.