Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has made it crystal clear: there will be no "gifts" for bottom-of-the-table Heidenheim this weekend, even with a massive Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain looming large.
The German giants are fresh off an electrifying 5-4 loss in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in Paris—a match that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Now, they're gearing up for the decisive second leg at home next Wednesday, but first, they face a tricky Bundesliga test on Saturday.
Heidenheim are fighting for survival, sitting dead last in the table. A loss combined with a St. Pauli win over Mainz on Sunday would seal their relegation. It's the kind of scenario where some teams might be tempted to rest key players, especially with a European giant like PSG waiting in the wings. But Kompany isn't having any of that.
"This was a topic last year too," Kompany said in Friday's press conference, referencing the challenge of staying focused after the Bundesliga title is already secured. "It's also a good thing because it means we've done our job, but we don't want to give anyone any gifts. We showed that in the last game against Mainz. We showed with our mentality that we're doing everything to be ready."
That comeback win at Mainz last weekend was a perfect example of Bayern's never-say-die attitude—a quality that's become a hallmark of Kompany's tenure. And while the excitement around the PSG rematch is palpable across Munich, the coach is keeping his squad grounded.
"The game against PSG was obviously very intense, and the anticipation for the second leg is very high in all of Munich," Kompany added. "My job is to keep the focus on Heidenheim, which I'm trying to do every day."
On the injury front, there's good news for Bayern fans. Utility player Tom Bischof is fit to face Heidenheim after recovering from injury, and Alphonso Davies is back in full training. However, winger Lennart Karl remains sidelined. Kompany noted that Karl might be available for the PSG clash, "but we're being cautious with his situation."
In goal, reserve keeper Jonas Urbig will get the start on Saturday, as the club continues contract talks with veteran Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old legend is reportedly discussing a one-year extension, but for now, the focus is squarely on the task at hand: taking care of business against Heidenheim before turning attention to the European giants.
For fans and fantasy managers alike, this weekend's match is a reminder that in football, there's no room for complacency—no matter what's on the horizon.