Kompany discusses attacking rotation ahead of Köln clash

FC Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany spoke about the possibility of resting some of his attacking stars ahead of the trip to FC Köln at his pre-match press conference

After opening 2026 with a convincing 8-1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich now turn their attention to Wednesday’s away clash against 1. FC Köln.

With Bayern navigating a hectic schedule, head coach Vincent Kompany could be tempted to rotate his attacking options. However, he suggested at his pre-match press conference that Michael Olise, Lennart Karl and Luis Díaz are once again likely to start behind Harry Kane.

Kompany revealed that the main attacking alternative, Serge Gnabry, has recently been struggling with illness. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson remains away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Jamal Musiala is not yet ready to return from his long-term injury.

“Serge was ill at the weekend, which is why he didn’t play,” Kompany told reporters on Tuesday, adding:

“He needs to stop coughing, then he’ll play again (laughs). He’s already shown so much quality for us, he can play on the left and right and in the number ten position, always bringing his quality and goals – with him, it’s a question of when he’ll be fit. Then Lennart Karl, Harry Kane, Lucho or Michael Olise will need a break. That’s logical. 

“Raphaël Guerreiro has also always played his part, scoring goals to strengthen the attack. And when Nicolas Jackson comes back, Jamal, we’ll have a few more people available. There will be moments when not everyone will play every game – I don’t know when yet. But we trust all the lads to come in and maintain the high standard.”

Following Wednesday’s trip to Köln, Bayern face RB Leipzig away on Saturday before hosting Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League next Wednesday.