Head coach Vincent Kompany knows it will be “difficult” for Bayern Munich to improve on their 2025/26 season, having scored 122 goals in the Bundesliga to become German champions by 16 points and won the German Cup.
As Bayern prepare to face a potential Champions League rival in Aston Villa at Kawloon’s Kai Tak Sports Park, Kompany says Die Roten’s aim is to build on their semi-final defeat in their European campaign last time out, losing a thrilling tie to champions Paris Saint-Germain.
“Right now, I’d say our aim is to win the Champions League,” outlined Kompany. “There’s no doubt about that.
“Throughout the season, I’ll be saying we need to focus on the next match. To achieve that – to win the Bundesliga, the cup and the Champions League – we need the whole squad to be fit and healthy.
“We need to make good use of them and improve the squad. We’ve already done that… hopefully it will help us achieve our goals.”
Villa have beaten an Indonesia XI and Thai side BG Pathum United on their Asian tour, which defender Matty Cash says has been a “really good” chance to “experience different cultures” despite the intense heat.
“[Bayern are] probably one of the best teams in the world at the minute, so it’s a great test for us,” added Cash.
“We’ve been team bonding because we’ve had a lot of changes this year, with players going and new players coming in.
“It’s good to see them settle in and we’re looking forward to another strong season.”
Bayern Munich v Aston Villa team news
Kompany says he “loves” back-up goalkeeper Jonas Urbig but Manuel Neuer will start in goal as captain against Villa.
Joshua Kimmich missed training with a minor groin strain and Bara Ndiaye was rested because of a knock to the midfielder’s knee.
Forwards Harry Kane and Michael Olise, defender Dayot Upamecano and wingers Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry are not expected to play as they continue to rest following the World Cup.
Wideman Alphonso Davies and new striker Ismael Saibari are in Munich working on their fitness.
Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara returned from injury and scored as a second-half substitute against Pathum in Bangkok on Tuesday.
Fears have been allayed that captain John McGinn’s knee injury in that game was serious, although the midfielder’s involvement this time is in doubt.
