Vincent Kompany cautions Bayern against complacency in Champions League opener

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany insists his side will tackle their opening Champions League fixture of the tournament’s new format against Dinamo Zagreb as if they were playing Barcelona.

Europe’s elite club competition has been revamped, with 36 teams competing in one table, playing eight fixtures each as they battle to qualify for the knockout stages.

The Bundesliga giants host Dinamo at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening, ahead of back-to-back away fixtures at Aston Villa and then Barcelona.

With the visit of Paris St Germain to come at the end of November, Kompany has been handed a testing first taste of management in the Champions League.

The former Manchester City captain, though, says his focus must be on what Bayern can produce.

“We have a difficult game tomorrow. The important thing is that we play well and win tomorrow,” Kompany told a press conference.

“I can’t make too much of a difference between the individual games – there can’t be any difference against Zagreb or Barcelona.

“We want to achieve our goals in every game and get the points. We know the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent, that is our priority.”

Former Burnley boss Kompany added: “For Bayern it’s always about playing in a dominant way. It’s nothing new that you think about the opponent.

“You also want to take advantage of weaknesses and be prepared for the strengths.

“They (Dinamo) are a talented, technically good team. They are used to having the ball in the final third and looking for gaps.

“They are a team that is good at defending their box, allowing very little space. We want to force our game on them. Hopefully that brings success.”

Munich will host the final of this season’s Champions League in May 2025.

Kompany said: “The dream (of playing the final in Munich) is there for the fans.

“The main thing for me is that we show it on the pitch. We hope the fans can dream for a long time.”

Bayern were dealt an injury blow ahead of their European campaign, with defender Sacha Boey set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a meniscus tear in his left knee.

The right-back picked up the injury during a training session on Sunday and has undergone an operation.

“We have options. We will think about it again tonight. It is a quick turnaround,” said Kompany, whose side recorded a third straight Bundesliga win after thrashing promoted Holstein Kiel 6-1 on Saturday.

“It is a shame for Sacha. We was in good form. We hope he comes back quickly.”