Bayern Munich get off to winning start under Vincent Kompany

Vincent Kompany was in the Bayern Munich dugout for the first time in a competitive side in round 1 of the DFB Pokal against second-tier side SSV Ulm. Leon Gortezka was left out of the squad despite no injury or illness, as his Bayern future remains up in the air. The Belgian got off to a superb start to life in Munich as Bayern cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory.

No new signings in the XI for Vincent Kompany, as he opted for; Neuer; Stanisic, Kim, Upamecano, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Gnabry, Muller, Musiala; Tel. 

It was a pretty stale opening ten minutes but the game soon burst into life. Joshua Kimmich made a burst into the area, and despite intense defending, was able to find Thomas Muller via a ricochet and the Bayern legend was able to open the scoring.

A couple of minutes later, it was two for Muller and two for Bayern as Serge Gnabry raced clear of the Ulm defense for the number 25 to tap into an unguarded goal. 

Ulm improved in the second half, as Bayern introduced Harry Kane and Kingsley Coman for Jamal Musiala and Mathys Tel.  Later on in the half, Kompany introduced new signings Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha for Gnabry and Pavlovic. Olise immediately made an impact, going down the outside onto his weaker right foot before squaring it to Coman to tap home. The French winger continued his good form after helping France win silver medal at the Olympics.

Alphonso Davies came on for Dayot Upamecano around five minutes from the end of regular time. With the last touch of the game, Kane continued where he left off last season, heading home at the back-post after Muller delivered a pinpoint cross. After a disappointing end to Euro 2024, Kane will be relieved to start the season on a positive note. It was great to see Kane looking sharp again after the back issues he had at the end of last season and throughout the summer.

A resounding win for Kompany to start his tenure at Bayern Munich. Regardless of opponent, winning is a great habit and it’s good to have a result that will boost the confidence and morale of everyone. He will be pleased with the way Die Roten played and showed ruthlessness in the final third.

Next up for Kompany is the Bundesliga opener against Wolfsburg away next Sunday as Bayern look to regain their Bundesliga throne.