After months of consistent praise, coach Kompany is now facing criticism following Bayern's exit from the Champions League semi-finals. The Bavarians lost to PSG 4-5 in the first leg and drew 1-1 in the second leg, resulting in a 5-6 aggregate defeat.

Coach Vincent Kompany (left) comforts Harry Kane after Bayern's 1-1 draw with PSG in the Champions League semi-final second leg on 6/5. Photo: FC Bayern

The most vocal critic has been former Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn. Speaking on Sky's "Triple - der Hagedorn-Fußballtalk" program on the evening of 8/5, the 56-year-old legend questioned why most Bayern players, with the exception of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, failed to perform at the required level in the decisive match.

"First, we must ask what happened. Why, in the second leg against PSG, did most of the squad, apart from Neuer, fail to reach the high level necessary to overcome PSG?" Kahn posed. "If we look at previous matches, we have discussed this many times. I always said I didn't like this at all."

The former Bayern executive, who served on the club's board from January 2020 to May 2023, believes Kompany's tactical system carries too many risks.

"Before the second leg against PSG, Bayern conceded 13 goals in just four matches," Kahn added. "Of course, people said they still won, like the 4-3 victory over Mainz or scoring three goals against Heidenheim to draw 3-3. But even then, it was clear how much risk Kompany's system brought."

According to Kahn, as the season entered its final stages, signs of decline began to emerge despite Bayern having already won the Bundesliga title. He suggested the team lost the necessary intensity, and the tactical system quickly exposed its weaknesses when it lacked balance and control.

PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia dribbles past the Bayern defense during the Champions League semi-final second leg at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 6/5. Photo: Reuters

Kahn specifically targeted Bayern's vulnerability to counter-attacks, particularly in the match against PSG. The German side repeatedly left gaps behind their defense and conceded numerous goals from transitions, including PSG's opening goal in the 3rd minute of the second leg at Allianz Arena.

"Perhaps the team deceived itself," Kahn remarked. "When you concede many goals but still win, problems and mistakes get covered up. Maybe that's why the team felt too safe and thought everything would be fine because they could always score one or two more goals."

The former goalkeeper, who earned 86 caps for the German national team, believes Bayern lacked match control – a crucial factor for competing for the Champions League title. He also drew a comparison to the other semi-final, where Arsenal played pragmatically and defeated Atletico with a 2-1 aggregate score.

"Many people said the Arsenal versus Atletico match was quite boring, while Bayern's match was much more exciting," Kahn stated. "Indeed, in terms of entertainment, it was great. But that's exactly what I mean about control. If you want to succeed at the peak of the Champions League, you must control the match for most of the time."

Eliminated from the Champions League, Kompany's squad now aims to secure domestic titles. Bayern has already won the German Supercup and the Bundesliga, with one remaining objective: defeating Stuttgart in the German Cup final on 23/5.

Kahn, born in 1969, is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in German football history. He rose through the Karlsruher SC youth academy before joining Bayern in 1994 and remaining with the club until his retirement in 2008. Kahn was known for his passionate playing style, his ability to command the defense, and his strong personality on the field. German media nicknamed him "Der Titan" (The Titan), while fans called him "Vul-Kahn" due to his explosive playing demeanor. During his career, Kahn won eight Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, one UEFA Cup in 1996, and the UEFA Champions League and Intercontinental Cup in 2001 with Bayern. He was named UEFA Best European Goalkeeper four consecutive times, received the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award three times, and was German Footballer of the Year two times. His most memorable moment with the German national team came at the 2002 World Cup, where Kahn performed brilliantly despite injury, helping lead the team to the final against Brazil. Although Germany lost 0-2, he still won the World Cup Golden Ball – and remains the only goalkeeper to receive this award to date.

By Hong Duy (Source: Bild)