Image source: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Bayern Munich saw victory slip through their fingers in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, with coach Vincent Kompany still expressing satisfaction with his team’s fighting spirit, despite conceding a late equalizer. The Bavarian giants were caught out on the counterattack three times, but Kompany found positives in a performance that showcased both resilience and creativity.
The draw means Bayern have now gone three games without a win across all competitions, following last week’s 2-2 Bundesliga draw against Bayer Leverkusen and a midweek Champions League setback at Aston Villa. Nevertheless, Kompany’s post-match comments highlighted a desire to focus on progress rather than just results.
“We Worked and Ran for Each Other”
“This was a tough game against a team that was ranked second in the Bundesliga before the match,” Kompany said during the press conference after the exciting contest in Frankfurt. “When I look at how the team worked and ran for each other, it is a positive performance. Results are how we are judged, but my job is to see how we perform against top teams in Germany and to keep improving.”
The 38-year-old coach, in his first season at the helm of Bayern, was philosophical about the mistakes that cost his team two points. “I know everyone will focus on the three goals we conceded, but step-by-step we need to improve. Despite that, I cannot say I’m not proud of the way we approached the game,” he added.
Thrilling Encounter With Momentum Swings
Bayern made an early statement in the match, taking the lead with a high-tempo start. However, Eintracht soon responded, striking twice to overturn the deficit and seize a 2-1 lead. Undeterred, Bayern fought back, as Dayot Upamecano’s powerful header and Michael Olise’s clinical finish saw the visitors retake control at 3-2.
But just as it looked like Bayern might secure all three points, Eintracht’s Omar Marmoush broke their hearts with a late equalizer — his second of the game — catching the Bayern defense off guard with a lightning-fast counterattack.
Defensive Frailties Remain an Issue
All three of Eintracht’s goals came from quick breaks that exposed Bayern’s backline, an area that remains a concern for Kompany as he looks to strike the right balance between attacking verve and defensive solidity. The defensive lapses, particularly in transition, allowed Eintracht to exploit space behind Bayern’s high line.
“There are things that are not perfect, but I have to focus on what we did well,” said Kompany. He emphasized the need to keep perspective as he continues his mission to implement his ideas at one of Europe’s most demanding clubs.
Bayern Remain Top on Goal Difference
Despite their recent struggles, Bayern Munich continue to sit atop the Bundesliga standings, albeit by the slimmest of margins — leading on goal difference over RB Leipzig, who edged out Heidenheim 1-0 earlier on Sunday. Eintracht, with this crucial point, have moved up to third with 13 points, staying firmly in the race.
Kompany believes that, despite the recent dip in form, Bayern’s trajectory is a promising one. “He stated confidently, ‘If we keep going like this, we’ll achieve many wins.'”
Room for Improvement, But Reasons for Optimism
While Bayern’s defense showed vulnerability, their ability to respond after going behind demonstrates a fighting spirit that Kompany can build upon. The contributions from players like Upamecano and Olise, who both got on the scoresheet, highlight the depth of attacking quality in Bayern’s squad.
For Kompany and Bayern, the goal is clear — tighten up at the back and maintain the intensity going forward. As the season progresses, Kompany’s philosophy is beginning to take shape, and while the results may not yet be consistent, the foundations of a dynamic and competitive Bayern Munich are visible.
