The difficult schedule is not a problem for Bayern

Bayern Munich’s busy schedule of three games in seven days will not shift the German champions’ focus ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen, coach Vincent Kompany said on Friday.

The Bavarians host an improved Leverkusen looking for a record 15th win in 15 games in all competitions this season before traveling to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next week.

Bayern have already set a record for Europe’s top five leagues after beating Cologne 4-1 in the second round of the German Cup on Wednesday, making it 14 wins from 14 matches in all competitions.

“For me this is a top match (against Leverkusen),” Kompany told a press conference. “There’s also a bit of rivalry from the previous two seasons.”

Leverkusen were unbeaten champions in 2024 and runners-up to Bayern last season. They remain on a league-record 37-game unbeaten run away from home and are fifth on 17 points, with Bayern leading the title race on 24.

“I’m not here to decide who our main rivals are for the title. All that matters to me is winning tomorrow. But the truth is the rivalry is still there and we can’t underestimate them because of what they’ve done in the last few weeks,” added Kompany.

Leverkusen are on a four-match Bundesliga winning streak, having turned their season around with the arrival of manager Kasper Hjulmand following the sacking of Erik ten Hag after just two league games.

They also sold half a dozen key players last season, including Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, but also signed a number of talented players.

“There’s not a difficult phase in our calendar with three games in six matches. We’re used to it and it’s not like we suddenly have different goals because our schedule is difficult,” Kompany said.

Bayern’s winning run from the start of the season is a record for a team in Europe’s top five leagues with the previous best being achieved by AC Milan with 13 wins in 1992-93.

“Leverkusen under the new coach has collected 16 out of 18 possible points,” Kompany said. “So they have that top form again in the Bundesliga and they are dangerous in front of goal. They lost a lot of talent but they also bought a lot of talent.”