Vincent Kompany is contemplating a significant tactical decision ahead of FC Bayern Munich’s Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Atalanta Bergamo: whether to bench two crucial starting players.
The players in question are Dayot Upamecano and Konrad Laimer. Both are at risk of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards in the current competition. The French central defender has two bookings, while the Austrian midfielder has four (suspensions are incurred after three and five yellow cards).
Should either player receive another yellow card against Atalanta, and Bayern secure their place in the quarter-finals, they would be suspended for a potential high-stakes clash against formidable opponents such as Manchester City or Real Madrid.
At the pre-match press conference, Kompany made it clear that he intends to prevent such a scenario. When asked directly if Upamecano and Laimer would likely be on the bench to mitigate this risk, he responded, «At the moment, it is certainly a logical consideration.»
Kompany: «In This Situation, You Don’t Really Have a Choice»
Kompany further elaborated on the dilemma: «In this situation, you don’t really have a choice. Who wouldn’t consider it? It is simply the way it is. The fact is, if they get a yellow card tomorrow, they will be suspended for the next match. However, if it’s absolutely necessary to play them, then so be it. There are no additional thoughts beyond that.»
Kompany did not explicitly name potential replacements for Upamecano and Laimer. For central defense, Min-Jae Kim has often stepped in and could potentially start alongside Jonathan Tah. Laimer recently played as a left-back, where Tom Bischof might be the primary alternative following Alphonse Davies’ injury.
Bayern already holds a commanding position for the return leg, having decisively beaten the Italian side 6-1 a week prior. An elimination would thus constitute a small miracle for Atalanta. In the quarter-finals, Bayern would most likely face Real Madrid, who also secured a significant 3-0 victory against Manchester City in their first leg.