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Kompany warns of complacency as injury-hit Bayern host Atalanta / Photo: INA FASSBENDER - AFP
Kompany warns of complacency as injury-hit Bayern host Atalanta
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said Tuesday his "biggest role" was preventing complacency as his undermanned side host Atalanta on Wednesday sitting on a 6-1 first-leg lead.
Despite being without striker Harry Kane, the Bundesliga leaders thumped Atalanta in Bergamo last Wednesday in their Champions League last-16 opener, racking up three goals in each half.
No team in European Cup history has ever overturned a five-goal deficit in a second leg but Kompany took the responsibility of ensuring his injury-hit side know the job is not yet done.
"That's precisely my biggest role in a situation like this," Kompany told reporters.
"The crucial foundation from which we have to work is a willingness to work, a willingness to run, and the joy of playing football, which we will also show."
Bayern were reduced to nine men but dug deep to draw 1-1 at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday and Kompany said the result would spur his men.
"The result against Leverkusen was actually positive. It showed what kind of story our season could be.
"We don't have much room. I don't want to go into these games too laid back. But my greatest confidence is in this team."
The six-time Champions League winners are odds-on to cruise into the quarter-finals but have been hard hit by injuries, particularly in goal.
Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito are all injured, while Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise are suspended.
In goal, Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich are injured, while back-up Jonas Urbig is facing a race against time to return from a concussion sustained in Bergamo.
If Urbig does not return, Kompany confirmed teenage debutant Leonard Prescott would be between the sticks.
At 16 years and 191 days, Prescott would become the youngest goalkeeper in Champions League history, beating the current record set by Maarten Vandevoordt by more than a year.
But Kompany said the 2009-born 'keeper was not showing any traces of nerves.
"He's very calm," Kompany said, adding "if he plays tomorrow, he'll get our full backing, our full support."
Kane returned off the bench against Leverkusen after missing two games and is in line to start on Wednesday.
T.Murray--SMC
