What made Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany demand 'other questions' from reporters ahead of Champions League last 16?
By Leon Imber
Published 05/03/2025 at 13:23 GMT
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Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany asked reporters to change their line of questioning in his press conference ahead of the Bundesliga leaders' all-German UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen. The Wednesday night clash is all set up as the first Champions League meeting between two German sides since Bayern beat Borussia Dortmund in the 2012/13 final at Wembley.
Kompany on Musiala-Wirtz clash, and 'defusing' Alonso's Leverkusen
Video credit: SNTV
Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany was not in the mood to entertain journalists at his pre-match press conference when questions were asked about a certain Bayer Leverkusen star.
Facing the media ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League last-16 clash against Bundesliga title rivals Leverkusen - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - there was one topic hot on the lips of all those in attendance.
And that was surrounding Leverkusen and Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who has been consistently linked with a transfer move to Bayern since his rise at the BayArena.
Some of the biggest clubs in Europe have been said to be interested in acquiring the services of the 21-year-old this summer, including Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern.
But Kompany quickly thwarted any talk of the Leverkusen star, as his Bayern side look to suppress the German attacking midfielder's threat in their two-legged last-16 tie.
"You can probably tell already that I’m not bothered to answer this question!" Kompany told reporters when drawn on what sets Wirtz and Bayern midfielder Jamal Musiala apart.
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Highlights: Wirtz stars as Leverkusen progress to last 16
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I’m talking now but I should simply say nothing. I’m trying to show some respect, but lads, let's have some other questions.
"It’s a good question, I would probably ask the same but despite that, perhaps you would also feel the same if you were sitting in my seat."
After helping Leverkusen to the German league title last season, Wirtz has continued his fine form with 15 goals and 13 assists in 37 matches across all competitions this season.
And he will be looking to help his side continue their impressive run against the Bavarians, having not been defeated in any of their meetings since Xabi Alonso's appointment as Leverkusen manager in 2022.
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Responding further to the Wirtz and Musiala comparisons, Kompany added: "I said it before as well, that it is phenomenal for Germany that both of those names are German, and it will always be good for Germany if they both do well.
"Obviously we hope on Wednesday, as a team, to defuse the qualities of Leverkusen, and deliver the best performance. Not just from the collective but from our individual players as well."
The clash between the two Bundesliga giants is set to be the first Champions League meeting between two German sides since Bayern beat Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley in 2013, thanks to Arjen Robben's stunning late winner.
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