Kompany hopes new signings can push Bayern to Champions League glory
HONG KONG: Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said on Thursday it would be “really tough” to improve on last season’s performances but was hopeful new signings could help power the German giants to a first Champions League title since 2020. The Bavarian side won a league and cup double last season but went out of Europe’s top competition in the semifinals to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain. The thrilling 6-5 aggregate defeat extended the wait for continental glory at Germany’s wealthiest and most decorated club, where domestic success is often taken for granted. “Right now, I will say our goal is to win the Champions League,” Kompany told reporters in Hong Kong ahead of Friday’s friendly against Aston Villa. “During the season, I will tell you we have to focus on the next game, because you cannot win the Champions League in September, you cannot win it in October. “I think we have improved a little bit as well on the squad, with some of the transfers. “Hopefully this gives us a chance to achieve our goal. It’s tough to do better than last year, really tough, but it has to be our goal.” Bayern have made two major signings this summer, bringing in Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven and German defender Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt. Several of their World Cup stars, including French attacker Michael Olise and England captain Harry Kane, have not traveled with the squad to Asia.