Bayern Munich’s dominant 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League opener on Tuesday was a spectacle for the ages, but manager Vincent Kompany remained grounded in his post-match analysis. While acknowledging the unusual scoreline, he emphasized the importance of securing the three points, stating, “It is about three points.”
Kompany, who took over at Bayern Munich this season, enjoyed a triumphant Champions League debut as coach. His star striker, Harry Kane, put on a dazzling display, scoring four goals in a match that saw the highest number of goals scored by a single team in the competition’s history. It was also the second-largest winning margin in Champions League history.
Despite the overwhelming win, Kompany wasn’t solely focused on the goals. He recognized that his team, despite leading 3-0 at halftime, conceded two goals within two minutes after the break as the Croatians fought back. “We scored nine but we conceded two goals. We conceded those goals because we were a step too late. Still, we stayed calm and then had a good evening,” he explained.
Kane’s remarkable performance saw him set a new record of 33 goals for an English player in the Champions League. He also scored a hat-trick against Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Kompany lauded Kane’s dedication and leadership, stating, “He is motivated and for me as a coach, it is easier because if you have a top player who is himself so motivated it makes things so much easier. He is a leader, captain of the national team. Players like him, they know they have to rise at these moments and that is what he is doing.”
Kompany concluded by reiterating his focus on the next game, emphasizing the importance of continued progress and improvement. The victory was a testament to the team’s strength and potential, but Kompany remains committed to a steady and focused approach, keeping his eyes firmly set on future challenges.