Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has acknowledged the challenge his side will face at Celtic Park, describing the stadium as a “fortress” ahead of their Champions League playoff clash. The former Manchester City and Belgium defender, who previously suffered defeat in Glasgow as an Anderlecht player, insists Bayern will respect the Scottish champions but remains confident in his team’s ability to secure a positive result.
Both teams enter the fixture in strong domestic form, sitting atop their respective leagues, but Bayern’s struggles on the road in the league phase—having lost to Aston Villa, Feyenoord, and Barcelona—add intrigue to the first leg in Glasgow.
Celtic’s European Home Advantage
Kompany has first-hand experience of Celtic’s formidable home record, having played at Parkhead in the 2003/04 Champions League group stage when a Celtic team spearheaded by Henrik Larsson, John Hartson, and Chris Sutton secured a 3-1 win against Anderlecht. The Belgian coach recognizes that the Glasgow club has historically made life difficult for visiting teams. As reported by STV, Kompany aired his thoughts on the quickly approaching clash…
“Anyone with a good understanding of football knows how strong Celtic are at home,” Kompany said. “Throughout my career, I can’t remember them losing many European games here. We will give that the respect it deserves.”
However, Kompany insists his team are well-prepared: “We have a squad built for big occasions. There is no one on our side who will treat this differently. Our sole ambition is to win because that is the expectation we live with at Bayern.”
Rodgers’ Influence and Tactical Approach
Kompany has also praised Brendan Rodgers’ impact on Celtic, having faced the Northern Irishman during his managerial spells at Leicester City and Liverpool. The Bayern boss recalled his final game for Manchester City against a Rodgers-led Leicester, describing it as a difficult contest due to the intensity of their pressing and attacking play.
“They have good attackers. Rodgers had the same at Leicester, at Liverpool—and I can see his impact on this Celtic team as well,” Kompany noted.
Celtic’s attacking lineup, featuring Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn, and Adam Idah, has been in impressive form, with Kuhn and Maeda collectively contributing 38 goals this season. While Bayern have their own talisman in Harry Kane—who has scored 28 goals in 28 matches—Celtic’s offensive firepower ensures the visitors cannot afford complacency.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Bayern’s away defeats in the league phase serve as a reminder of the challenges of playing in hostile environments. Kompany is keen to ensure his team approaches this fixture differently, recognizing that the two-legged format changes the dynamic.
“Our goal is to continue developing. This time it’s two games instead of one, and Celtic also need to come to us. We have our own strong atmosphere in Munich,” Kompany explained.
While Bayern arrives in Glasgow as favourites, they do so with an awareness of Celtic’s home strengths and the potential pitfalls that have troubled them on the road. Rodgers’ men, backed by a raucous Celtic Park crowd, will look to seize the opportunity to defy expectations and take an advantage to Germany for the second leg.
