MUNICH: Bayern Munich’s tight fixture list — three matches within a week — isn’t deterring the German giants from maintaining their focus ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga showdown against Bayer Leverkusen, coach Vincent Kompany said on Friday.
The reigning champions host an in-form Leverkusen side as they chase a record 15th consecutive victory across all competitions, before traveling to Paris Saint-Germain for next week’s Champions League encounter.
Bayern already broke a European top-five league record by securing their 14th straight win after defeating Cologne 4-1 in the German Cup on Wednesday.
“For me, this is a top-tier clash,” Kompany said during the press conference. “There’s still that competitive edge from the past two seasons.”
Leverkusen, who were undefeated champions in 2024 and finished runners-up to Bayern last season, remain unbeaten in 37 consecutive away league games. They currently sit fifth on 17 points, while Bayern lead the table with 24.
“I’m not here to decide who our biggest title rivals are,” Kompany added. “Our only focus is to win tomorrow. But yes, the rivalry remains strong, and we can’t underestimate them given their recent performances.”
Under new coach Kasper Hjulmand, Leverkusen have found form, stringing together four straight Bundesliga wins after parting ways with Erik ten Hag earlier in the season.
Despite losing stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, the club has rebuilt smartly with fresh young talent.
“In our schedule, there’s no such thing as a ‘tough phase’ — three matches in a week is nothing new for us,” Kompany said. “We don’t lower our goals just because the schedule is demanding.”
Bayern’s remarkable start — 14 wins in a row — is now the longest winning streak by any club from Europe’s top five leagues, surpassing AC Milan’s 1992-93 record of 13.
“Leverkusen have collected 16 out of a possible 18 points under their new coach,” Kompany noted. “They’re back in top form and dangerous in attack. They’ve lost great players, but they’ve brought in plenty of quality too.”
