Kompany's Plan against the 'Swiss Army Knife Principle': Analog to the Fist - Bayern’s unbeaten streak faces Augsburg’s tactical gamble in Bundesliga showdown
Bayern Munich travels to Augsburg this weekend with both teams facing key absences. The Bavarian side will miss several defenders, while Augsburg’s lineup remains unsettled due to suspension and tactical adjustments. Both managers have spoken about their strategies ahead of the clash.
The match carries extra weight as Augsburg could end Bayern’s 27-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga—a feat they last achieved in 2014 with a historic 1–0 win.
Bayern Munich enters the game with defensive problems. Dayot Upamecano, Konrad Laimer, Josip Stanišić, and Sacha Boey are all unavailable due to illness or injury. Meanwhile, Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, though still not fully fit, may see increased playing time as the team looks for attacking solutions.
Since the winter break, Bayern’s performances have shown a clear pattern. They have struggled in first halves, scoring only three goals while conceding three, and leading at halftime just once in four matches. However, their second-half form has been dominant, with a 15–0 goal difference across the same period. All four games since the break have ended in wins.
Augsburg, coming off a 2–2 draw with Freiburg, will be without Noah Kai Banks due to suspension. Kristijan Jakić’s availability also remains uncertain, forcing manager Manuel Baum to consider reshuffling his side. Baum has described his approach as a 'Swiss Army knife'—adapting tactics based on the opponent. Against Bayern, he expects an aggressive mindset, aiming to disrupt rather than merely contain the league leaders.
Vincent Kompany, Bayern’s coach, has acknowledged the challenge of facing teams who treat a win over his side as a 'trophy'. He insists his players must maintain high standards regardless of the opposition. Kompany also criticized Augsburg’s typically defensive approach in derbies, joking that their strategy often feels like 'coming by bus'—a reference to their deep defensive blocks.
The stakes are high for Augsburg, who have the chance to repeat their 2014 upset when they ended Bayern’s then-record 53-game unbeaten run. A win this time would halt the current 27-match streak without defeat for the Bavarians.
Baum has made it clear his team will not focus on damage control. Instead, they plan to disrupt Bayern’s rhythm, with tactical flexibility playing a key role in their game plan.
Bayern Munich’s defensive shortages and Augsburg’s tactical adaptability set the stage for a testing encounter. The hosts will look to exploit Bayern’s slow starts, while the visitors aim to extend their second-half dominance.
A win for Augsburg would mark another historic upset, while Bayern will seek to maintain their unbeaten streak and keep pressure on the top of the table.
