Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane’s participation in the Champions League clash against Aston Villa remains uncertain, according to coach Vincent Kompany. Despite a potential absence, the Bundesliga leaders are eager to relish the experience. Kane spearheaded Bayern’s 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb in their opening match with a sensational four-goal haul. However, he failed to register a shot in their subsequent 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen and sustained an injury late in the game.
“Harry trained today, and things went well. But we need to wait and see till tomorrow and be sure things stay like that,” Kompany shared at a press conference. “Then we can calmly make the right decision. Hopefully everything stays fine.”
Kompany anticipates a thrilling encounter against Unai Emery’s in-form Premier League side. “Everyone knows it’s been over 40 years since Aston Villa last played in the European Cup. What they did last season was extraordinary, they’ve earned it,” Kompany acknowledged. “They’re a really organised team with a good atmosphere at home. But Bayern are used to these nights. We want to enjoy it, and the players are hopefully up for playing here.”
Forward Serge Gnabry, a former Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion player, is enthused about his return to England. “England is very special. There’s a great atmosphere in the old stadiums,” Gnabry remarked. “Football is often the biggest thing for people here in England, I’m looking forward to playing here tomorrow. It’ll be Villa’s first Champions League home game for many years, the place will be rocking.”
Bayern will be aiming to maintain their recent form in a match that marks the second encounter between the two clubs. Villa secured their sole major European trophy by defeating Bayern 1-0 in the 1982 European Cup final.
“Aston Villa are definitely a very good team that’s been very consistent, playing well, is physical,” Gnabry added. “It’s a very strenuous, very tough game. They also defend very well. It won’t be easy tomorrow. (But) the coach demands a certain drive, high intensity so we don’t allow the opponent any chances. That’s what we’re about at the moment. It feels great that we’re so dominant again. We didn’t manage that over long stretches in recent years.
“The more dominant you are, the more chances you have, the more goals you can score. It’s a lot of fun for us at the moment in attack.”
