Soccer-Bayern's Kompany cautious of 'dangerous' Club World Cup rivals Boca


Jun 15, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; FC Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany looks on against Auckland City FC during the second half of a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images/File Photo

(Reuters) -Bayern Munich strolled to a 10-0 win over Auckland City in their Club World Cup opener but there will be no room for complacency when they face Argentina's Boca Juniors in their second Group C match, the German club's coach Vincent Kompany said on Thursday.

Boca came close to winning their opener against Benfica but let a two-goal lead slip away in a 2-2 draw with the Portuguese side, and Kompany said they presented a real threat on the transition.

"We know the quality of the tournament ... every team taking part here is a winning team," Kompany told reporters ahead of Friday's game, with Bayern looking to win their third Club World Cup title.

"Boca are a very dangerous team in the transition game. They believe in their moments. The team spirit is good. We have respect for Boca. But we're looking at ourselves and want to bring our qualities to the game."

Kompany said they were familiar with the Argentine style of play with many of the country's players plying their trade in Europe.

"We know a lot of Argentinian players from the European leagues. It's a football we understand very well," he added. "It might feel a bit like an away game. But we want to be Bayern Munich. We have to show the right emotion."

Kompany was happy to welcome attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala and centre back Dayot Upamecano back into the side after missing over two months with injuries.

Germany's Musiala, who scored 12 goals as Bayern secured their 34th German top-flight title, came off the bench to score a hat-trick against Auckland on Sunday.

"Jamal Musiala and Dayot Upamecano haven't played for a long time. We're very happy that they're back and fit. Integration is an important issue and we have to look at it. Otherwise, everyone's 100% fit," Kompany said.

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-Newcastle did not want to sell Guimaraes, says sporting director Wilson
Soccer-Vietnam keep title defence on track in ASEAN Championship as Singapore advance
Soccer-Palace sign Japan defender Tomiyasu after trial period
Cheng Hoe says ‘12th player’ could make difference in intense battle
Wan Kuzain can make first start with Harimau Malaya a special one
Soccer-FA bans solid pitchside barriers after player dies
Soccer-Women's Cup of Nations quarter-finals to decide Africa's four World Cup spots
Soccer-England defender Bronze backs UEFA in standoff with FIFA and Infantino
Soccer-New Belgium coach Van Bommel had no hesitation accepting job
Wan Kuzain ready to seize starting chance against Philippines

Others Also Read