Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is set to rotate his squad for their Bundesliga match against Mainz 05.
The decision comes as Bayern prepare for their Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
Youngsters Get Their Chance
Kompany is using the Mainz game to give some young players a chance to experience the first-team environment. 16-year-old Bastian Assomo is in the squad for the first time. Assomo is considered a physically strong and dangerous striker but has recently been sidelined with a Syndesmosebandriss.
Filip Pavić (16), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (18) and Deniz Ofli (19) are also expected to be in the squad against Mainz. Kompany has already given all three of these young players their first minutes in a Bayern shirt in recent months. It remains to be seen whether Assomo will make his professional debut against Mainz.
Changes to the Starting XI
Kompany is making significant changes to his starting eleven. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye is set to make his first start. He will feature in the attacking line alongside Guerreiro and Diaz, behind Nicolas Jackson. Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanisic and Manuel Neuer will all start on the bench.
Bayern’s starting XI is expected to be: Urbig – Laimer, Kim, Ito, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Guerreiro, Ndiaye, Diaz – Jackson.
Bayern’s Bundesliga Situation
Bayern Munich have already secured their 35th German title. They clinched the title after a 4-2 victory against VfB Stuttgart. Despite having already won the league, the remaining Bundesliga matches are not without purpose for Bayern.
With the Champions League still ongoing, Bayern need to maintain their competitive edge. The team also aims to improve their already impressive goal-scoring record.
Balancing Priorities
The early title win allows the coaching staff to manage the players’ workload more effectively. With the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for Tuesday, Kompany will rotate the squad against Mainz to allow key players to rest. Bayern also played against Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal semi-final during the week, winning 2-0.
- Bayern have already won the Bundesliga title.
- Kompany wants to keep the team sharp for the Champions League.
- Several young players are in the squad to face Mainz.
It is likely that players expected to start against PSG will begin the game against Mainz on the bench.