By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Over the past few days, Vincent Kompany, for an unusual reason, appeared absent.
While game preparations with Bayern Munich went their ordinary way, the 38-year-old former Burnley manager and Manchester City captain found himself ahead of an unprecedented challenge, the traditional team visit at the Octoberfest.
In the spotlight of photographers and TV crews, every movement of the players and the Bavarian coach is recorded. "I have never been to the Octoberfest," the 89-time-capped former Belgian international said, admitting he went through an intense briefing including the search for a suitable outfit such as the traditional leather pants.
While his squad is heading from goal record to goal record in the early stages of the 2024/25 season, Kompany bravely faced the unknown before enjoying the bath in the crowd in one of the gigantic festival tents.
The Bayern coach passed the exam without complaints. The pleasant Sunday activity might be the last triggering unbiased moments as the team of the hour is facing a series of serious challenges over the upcoming weeks.
The reigning German champion Leverkusen, last season's league second Stuttgart, and wave-riding Frankfurt are waiting in the national league with Aston Villa and Barca following in the UEFA Champions League.
For some, the Bavarians went through a test run in the league (3-2 Wolfsburg, 6-1 Kiel, 5-0 Bremen), the German Cup (4-0 Ulm), and the Champions League against Zagreb (9-2), with the real challenges still ahead.
With former Palace striker Michael Olise joining the club's record-setting performers scoring twice against Bremen aside from two assists, and Harry Kane's goal hunger (four goals against Zagreb), the attacking line is riding the wave.
French Olympic silver medal winner and Chelsea and City breed Olise triggered enthusiasm after his "brilliant start" (Kompany).
"He is purely enjoying football," Kane stated while Jamal Musiala said the well-oiled front line is providing unprecedented happiness for him.
As a fact, Olise seems entirely dedicated to football having delivered the shortest presentation press conference (6:45) including the photo session when introduced.
Kane, Olise, and Musiala benefit from the newly implemented tactical system such as the high-pressing approach triggering the opportunity for fast counterattacks. Team internal competition with Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane in the background, seems to take Bayern to new shores. The German record champion is relying on a pitch-covering man coverage.
Kompany's upcoming challenge seems to keep control of his well-equipped squad. For now, Bayern is back on track and is living out a remarkable greediness. "They just don't stop," Bremen's sporting director Clemens Fritz said.
The upcoming encounters might give proof of how robust Bayern's wave ride is. ■