The Athletic FC Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode Title: Has Kompany made Bayern the best in Europe?
Release Date: April 8, 2026
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Panelists: Seb Stafford-Bloor (German football correspondent), Karl Ankers

Overview

This episode examines whether Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich are now the best side in Europe after their historic Champions League win at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu. The discussion covers Bayern's tactical evolution, standout players (particularly Harry Kane and Michael Olise), Kompany’s influence and temperament, as well as Arsenal’s European run and defensive solidity. The hosts also compare elite attacking units and look ahead to massive Champions League showdowns.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bayern Munich’s Statement Victory at the Bernabéu

• Historical Significance ([02:49])
  • Seb Stafford-Bloor: “They've not beaten Real in a knockout game since 2012. This was actually the first time they’d won at the Bernabéu since 2001... mentally it felt important.”
  • Emphasis on overcoming old hurdles and pushing back against “Bundesliga is weak” narratives.
  • “This isn’t just a team that looks potent against Werder Bremen or Bochum. This is a team that can take Real Madrid apart.”
    — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([03:38])

2. Manuel Neuer’s Resurgence

• Vintage Performance ([03:57], [07:35])
  • Despite injuries and doubts about his suitability, Neuer delivered a world-class display:
    “There’s something so defiant and wonderful about watching a guy who’s 40 years and about 11 days old... shut the door one last time on the biggest stage.” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([08:32])
  • Karl Ankers admired Neuer’s “stunning” starfish save, likening it to legendary past performances.

3. Real Madrid’s Remaining Dangers

• Threats Still Lurk ([04:15])
  • “Real Madrid structurally is quite mediocre but... give two or three of these players the ball in open space and they can hurt you tremendously.” — Karl Ankers ([04:15])
  • Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. both dangerous, and the tie is “not done yet.”

4. Are Bayern the Best in Europe?

• Favourites for the Champions League ([05:39])
  • 11 matches, 10 wins, 34 goals scored.
  • Comparison to Arsenal: Bayern praised for flair and fluidity; Arsenal for pragmatism and organization.
  • “If you beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League this season, you will probably win the competition because they are formidable.” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([06:09])

5. Vincent Kompany’s Transformation of Bayern

• Leadership & Influence ([10:26])
  • Strong communication, speaks many languages, commands respect, and is deeply admired by the younger players.
  • “He was an employee within a structure, sure. But this is a guy that walked in as if he belonged there and carried himself with confidence...” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([10:45])
• Tactical Acumen ([12:55])
  • Karl Ankers explains Kompany’s fascination with multinational management and off-ball structures.
  • “We’re now in a version... where it’s more and more about do you have an attacking player who has a skill move or a burst pace to get past someone?... the confidence they have in that off-ball structure... absolutely deserves to be applauded.” — Karl Ankers ([12:55])
• Cultural Sensitivity
  • Kompany’s multi-lingual, multi-cultural awareness dates back to lessons he applied when captaining Manchester City.

6. The Harry Kane Factor

• Prolific Record and Ballon d’Or Debate ([18:52], [19:23])
  • Kane’s 49th goal of the season, 134 in three Bayern seasons.
  • “If Bayern win the Champions League, Kane might also beat Robert Lewandowski’s single season scoring record in the Bundesliga... So Champions League, individual record, England goes to the World Cup and potentially do very well...” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([19:23])
  • Both panelists agree Kane’s consistency and professionalism are world class, but question whether his steady brilliance fits typical Ballon d’Or narratives.
  • “He makes spectacular football seem mundane. And that is both a compliment... and it’s like, this end up.” — Karl Ankers ([23:22])

7. Bayern’s Front Four: Ruthless, Varied Threats

• Unit Analysis ([27:19], [27:45])
  • Luis Diaz: “dynamism,” pressing, back-post threat.
  • Serge Gnabry: “renaissance,” creative in possession, direct.
  • Michael Olise: “…as stylish and classy footballer as there is in Europe... can play in a very languid, almost kind of disdainful way, and then he can play with a great surge of acceleration and he is just ruining defenders one-on-one.” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([27:45])
  • Michael Olise closing on Messi’s assists record, “the football player you upgrade your TV package for” ([31:30]).
  • Elise’s presence transforms their threat profile, and Kompany’s use of supporting players like Konrad Laimer highlighted.

8. Comparison to Great Attacking Trios

• Historical Context ([33:54])
  • “Are we looking at the best (front three) right now, gents? 140 goal contributions between them... I look at... Suárez, Messi, Neymar... Salah, Firmino, Mané... the Real Madrid trio, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale.” — Ayo Akinwolere ([33:54])
  • Both panelists feel Bayern’s current unit belongs in the conversation, especially because of its balance, versatility, and voracious output.

9. Arsenal’s Grit and Goalkeeping

• “Submission Specialists” ([40:17])

  • Arsenal are “gutting it out” — “They're submission specialists rather than knockout artists... gutting it out at mile 21 of a marathon.” — Karl Ankers ([40:17])
  • Squad lauded for depth and defensive resilience; not spectacular but exceptionally pragmatic and efficient.
  • “They should get at least one of the big trophies... there are some games Arsenal win and there are some games where Arsenal outlast the opponent.” ([41:28])

• David Raya: Europe’s Best Keeper? ([45:41])

  • Raya’s seven Champions League clean sheets, calmness, and reliability draw widespread praise.
  • “He doesn’t do clangers. His reaction... he doesn’t really do any clangers. And if he does... Goldfish brain, blink, forgets.” — Karl Ankers ([46:09])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bayern’s Historic Win

  • “This felt an endorsement of everything they’ve done this season, but also the potency of the attack.” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([02:49])

• On Neuer’s Redemption

  • “It’s great. And that’s kind of what you want to see from the game’s greats, right? You want that symmetry and you want them to go out on their own terms.” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([08:32])

• On Kompany’s Leadership

  • “He knew his place within the organization. He knew he was there not to take over recruitment... He was an employee within a structure, sure. But this is a guy that walked in as if he belonged there and carried himself with confidence.” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([10:45])

• On Olise’s Pre-game Ritual

  • “On the Bayern social media feed, they’ve started doing a little trail of his pre-game rituals... walks on the pitch, does a little shuffle, gets a feel of the grass and then walks off.” — Ayo Akinwolere ([33:32])

• On Harry Kane

  • “He makes spectacular football seem mundane. And that is both a compliment... and it’s like, this end up.” — Karl Ankers ([23:22])

• Luis Diaz’s Union Berlin Wondergoal

  • “When he scored that goal, I kind of had a sort of involuntary... expletive left my mouth in the middle of what is still the Union Berlin section. Right. Oh, Diaz. Brilliant.” — Seb Stafford-Bloor ([35:53])

Key Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |-------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:49 | Bayern’s Bernabéu win — historical significance | | 03:57 | Neuer’s crucial saves and resurgence | | 04:15 | Real Madrid’s threat and tie balance | | 05:39 | Bayern’s Champions League form and favorites debate | | 10:26 | Vincent Kompany’s influence, mentality, and tactics | | 12:55 | Kompany’s off-ball pressing structure, cultural intelligence | | 18:52 | Harry Kane’s season, goal record, Ballon d’Or prospects | | 27:45 | Analysis of Bayern’s front four | | 31:30 | Michael Olise’s rise and playing style | | 33:54 | Comparing the greatest front threes/fours in Europe | | 40:17 | Arsenal’s gritty win over Sporting; squad resilience | | 45:41 | David Raya’s Champions League performances | | 35:53 | Luis Diaz’s stunning goal at Union Berlin (anecdote) |

Additional Insights

• Front Four, not Three: Panelists insist Serge Gnabry is key and Bayern’s attack should be considered as a “front four.”
• Supporting Cast Recognition: Praise for roles of Konrad Laimer and Pavlović in Kompany’s system.
• Arsenal’s Mentality: The panel compares Arsenal’s resilience to Novak Djokovic’s tennis style—relentless, hard to beat, never spectacular but impossible to put away.
• Goalkeeper Rotation Debate: Strong opinions (especially from Seb) against cup goalkeeper rotation, advocating for first-choice keepers in all key fixtures.

Conclusion

The panel paints Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich as potentially the most complete, threatening, and tactically advanced team in Europe at the moment—a far cry from the skepticism that accompanied Kompany's appointment. With Harry Kane in peak form and a ruthlessly effective supporting cast, Bayern are clear favorites for continental glory. Arsenal, meanwhile, provide the tactical counterpoint—a defensive, relentless force well set up for survival at this late stage in the season. Both teams, and their stars, are well poised for historic runs as the Champions League reaches its climax.

For more in-depth Arsenal reaction, check out The Athletic’s dedicated “Handbrake Off” podcast.