Kompany warns Bayern: Flamengo play like Europe’s elite | OneFootball

According to Globo, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany struck a respectful tone ahead of his team’s Club World Cup round-of-16 showdown with Flamengo, suggesting the Brazilian side’s standards closely resemble those of Europe’s elite. As Kompany prepared Bayern for Sunday’s single-elimination fixture in Miami, he did not hide his admiration for Flamengo’s tactical discipline and attacking creativity, as well as the influences brought by coach Filipe Luís.

“Watching Flamengo, it’s very clear the style is defined and communicated,” Kompany said. “You see players buying in, the results to back it up, and that builds confidence. There’s a blend of discipline—like you’d expect from Champions League contenders—with the creativity Brazilian football is famous for. In many ways, facing them will feel like playing one of Europe’s top teams.”

Kompany reserved particular praise for Filipe Luís, noting the manager’s project fuses tactical organization with the distinctive flair that has long been the hallmark of Brazilian clubs. “Flamengo is one of the top sides, an excellent squad and a very good coach,” he continued. “It’s a journey that brings together tactical discipline and Brazilian flair. The country lives and breathes football, and you can see that in how they play.”

The Belgian coach also reflected on his own impressions of Brazilian football from afar. “Anyone who grew up in Europe, you inevitably watched stars from Brazil—whether in the national team or in Europe. I connect Brazilian football with creativity and the kind of plays you don’t expect.”

Asked about Bayern’s approach to the tournament, Kompany underlined that every competition is important for a club of their stature. He saw participating in the Club World Cup as a privilege and lauded the strong level of teams representing South America and beyond, insisting the gap at the global level continues to narrow. “There are some European sides who could compete here but aren’t. But the overall standard is extremely high—especially now, with South America and Europe both operating at a top level.”

Kompany noted similarities in mentality between the clubs. “Bayern’s identity is to always play to win, but what I’ve noticed is Flamengo approaches every match with the same intent,” he stated. “We’re likely to meet each other with a very similar mindset.”

The result from Sunday’s contest will determine who advances to the quarterfinals, with extra time and penalties waiting if regular time ends even. As much as the fixture pits two continents against each other, Kompany’s words signal the growing respect for Flamengo’s place in the modern game—and recognition that the Miami match should more closely resemble a Champions League knockout than a cross-continental sideshow.

Sources: Globo

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