It’ll be very tough for my former team-mates

Bayern travel to face Belgian champions RSC Anderlecht in a UEFA Cup Round of 16 first leg on Thursday, the first meeting between the sides since the 2003-4 Champions League when Bayern drew 1-1 at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium in Brussels, before winning the home leg 1-0. Hamburg utility man and Belgium international Vincent Kompany, who contested both matches for Anderlecht, told fcbayern.de that the men from Munich are favourites to progress: “My former team-mates face a very tough task.“

Interview: Vincent Kompany

fcbayern.de: Vincent, how many calls have you taken from former RSC Anderlecht team-mates over the last few days?
Vincent Kompany: “It’s not like the phone’s been ringing constantly, but I’ve had a few calls from former team-mates. I’m still in touch with some of them, and obviously you do talk about football, including the match between Bayern and Anderlecht.“

fcbayern.de: What have you been telling them about Bayern?
Kompany: “Bayern Munich are the gold standard in the Bundesliga, with an excellent squad and outstanding individuals. My former team-mates face a very tough task.“

fcbayern.de: HSV have drawn twice with Bayern this season. How was that achieved?
Kompany: “We simply played well in both games, and we create chances against everyone we play. You never get many chances against Bayern, but when they do come along, you have to take them without hesitation.“

fcbayern.de: What can Bayern expect in Brussels on Thursday?
Kompany: “A team which is used to the Champions League and thus has plenty of experience. Because Anderlecht are at home in the first leg, they’ll certainly try and get after Bayern.“

fcbayern.de: Are your former club a real threat to Bayern? Who are the danger men?
Kompany: “Anything can happen over the course of two matches. The result from the first leg will be extremely important. Bart Goor pulls the strings in midfield and provides the springboard for attacks, where Mbo Mpenza, Emile Mpenza’s brother, may well be playing. Another well-known face from the Bundesliga is Jan Polak, who was in Nuremberg.“

fcbayern.de: Anderlecht have fallen below their usual standards in the Belgian league this season. Do you know why?
Kompany: “To be frank, I’ve been away too long to offer an opinion. Obviously, I hope things look up for them.“

fcbayern.de: What can the Anderlecht faithful expect from their team?
Kompany: “That they give it their best shot in both games and try to make the quarter-finals. It’ll be very difficult, but not impossible.“

fcbayern.de: Finally, what’s your prediction for the tie?
Kompany: “Bayern are favourites, but I’d prefer not to tip the final outcome.“