Kompany defends Bayern decision to leave Kane and Olise out against Schalke

Vincent Kompany said it was a “rational decision” to leave Harry Kane and Michael Olise out of Bayern Munich’s starting XI for Saturday’s goalless draw with Schalke in the second round of the Bundesliga.

Both players returned late from their holidays after the summer break, and Kompany said their involvement in Bayern’s German Cup match against Osnabruck had taken a significant physical toll.

“It was simply a rational decision,” Bayern head coach Kompany told reporters after the match. “They came back very, very late from their holidays, and the Osnabruck match took a lot of energy out of them.”

Kane and Olise had been prioritised for the cup fixture, meaning Kompany then had to decide how best to manage their workload for the league match against Schalke.

“The priority was to have them available for it, because it was a German Cup match,” he said. “Then I had to make a decision about today’s game. They are still not appropriately ready to handle a full physical load. It was a rational decision.”

The decision meant Bayern were unable to find a way past Schalke, who defended resolutely to secure a point. Kompany acknowledged that his side’s failure to score was the defining feature of the match, while also praising the visitors’ organisation and determination.

“Every match has its own story,” the Belgian said. “Unfortunately, the story today was that we could not score. That does not take anything away from Schalke’s performance. They really fought hard and closed the spaces well.”

Despite Bayern’s frustration in front of goal, Kompany said there were positive aspects to the performance. He was particularly pleased with the team’s counter-pressing, arguing that Schalke had been prevented from creating opportunities of their own.

“On the other hand, the counter-pressing we carried out today was exceptional, and we did not allow them to create any chances,” he added. “We also created several clear chances against a deep defence, so there are positive things as well.”

The stalemate leaves Bayern with the disappointment of dropping points in a match they would have expected to win, although Kompany said the defensive work and the chances created offered encouragement.

Ultimately, however, he stressed that Bayern’s standards mean a draw cannot be viewed as a satisfactory result.

“In the end, the result is what it is,” Kompany said. “At Bayern Munich, you can only be happy if you win.”