Bayern Coach: Playing with Ten Men Is Always a Unique Challenge

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany shared his thoughts following his team's defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal.

Neuer’s Red Card Changed the Game

The game against Bayer Leverkusen took a dramatic turn in the 17th minute when Manuel Neuer rushed out of goal and collided with Jeremie Frimpong. The referee showed Neuer a straight red card, leaving Bayern Munich with ten men for the remainder of the match. Despite their efforts, the team couldn’t hold off the reigning DFB-Pokal champions, conceding the deciding goal in the second half.

Kompany Praises His Team’s Character

After the match, head coach Vincent Kompany highlighted the resilience his players demonstrated despite the numerical disadvantage. "It’s always bitter when an early red card has such a massive impact on the game," he said. "But I must say, throughout my career, I’ve played with ten men on many occasions, and you can’t take for granted how the players fought today. Their effort was impressive for most of the match, and it shows the immense character of this team."

Missed Chances and Frustration

"We had chances to score, but unfortunately, we didn’t capitalize," Kompany continued. "Then they delivered one cross, and that was enough for them to score. It was incredibly frustrating. Playing with ten men is always a unique challenge."

Kompany praised Bayern’s supporters, noting their impact on the game. "In these moments, the fans can truly become the 12th player, and today everyone felt their energy—both the players on the pitch and those on the bench. The support from our fans made a noticeable difference."

Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, Kompany acknowledged the determination shown by his players. "There was life in our performance today. The boys gave everything they had. However, we can’t sugarcoat defeats, especially when they mean the end of our journey in the cup," he concluded.