Kompany calls for sharper Bayern Munich after Elversberg fightback

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany says his side must start matches with greater precision and intensity after the Bundesliga champions needed a second-half response to beat newly promoted Elversberg 2-1 on Sunday.

Bayern made an unconvincing start to their first visit to Elversberg, taking time to settle and allowing the hosts to gain confidence. Lennart Karl put the German champions ahead, but Maurice Krattenmacher equalised before half-time.

Harry Kane restored Bayern’s advantage as the visitors reacted positively to being pegged back and eventually secured all three points.

Kompany was pleased with that response but admitted Bayern had been below their usual standard during the opening period.

“It felt like we had a slightly harder time getting into the game today,” the Belgian told DAZN.

He said Bayern’s lack of accuracy in possession and insufficient intensity had contributed to Elversberg’s strong performance.

“We simply weren’t there at the beginning. They played well, they were courageous, and we weren’t as precise, even on the ball, as we usually are,” Kompany said.

The Bayern boss also identified the team’s counter-pressing as a weakness. He warned that failing to win the ball back quickly can make matches particularly difficult against opponents who are willing to take risks.

“If your counter-pressing isn’t intense enough, then it’s a game like this; you don’t get any gifts here,” he added.

Kompany felt his players had been “a step too slow mentally” at the start, creating unnecessary problems for themselves. Although Bayern recovered to control the match and protect their lead, he said similar sluggishness could prove more costly against stronger opposition.

The victory maintained Bayern’s ability to respond under pressure, but Kompany made clear that improvement is required before their next fixture.

“We were a step too slow mentally at the beginning. That makes things difficult for ourselves,” he said.

“In the end, we redeemed ourselves.”

Bayern will return to the Allianz Arena on Friday for their next Bundesliga match, when Union Berlin provide the opposition.