With international duty temporarily stripping Bayern Munich’s training ground of its stars, Vincent Kompany has shifted his focus to the next generation as preparations officially begin for the highly anticipated Der Klassiker showdown against Borussia Dortmund this weekend.
According to Bild (via @iMiaSanMia), Bayern opened training on Monday with a squad heavily made up of non-international players and academy prospects. Youngsters Lennart Karl, Wisdom Mike, Jussef Nasrawe, Bogdan Olychenko, and Noah Codjo-Evora were all in attendance as the team started its buildup to the season’s first clash with arch-rivals BVB. Notably, Raphaël Guerreiro was absent from the session, while Bayern expect the first batch of international players to report back on Wednesday.
For Kompany, this quieter phase offers an invaluable chance to work closely with Bayern’s promising youth players — a practice that aligns with his long-term vision of fostering homegrown depth within the squad. While the international break has halted club competitions, the Belgian tactician is using every moment to fine-tune tactical details ahead of one of the Bundesliga’s biggest fixtures.
Once his full complement of senior players return later in the week, the intensity of training is expected to rise sharply. Kompany will aim to blend the energy of the younger players with the experience of seasoned stars like Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, and Leroy Sané, ensuring Bayern are fully prepared for what promises to be a fiery encounter.
Off the pitch, Bayern fans have had plenty to keep them entertained. The Bavarian Podcast Works team has been buzzing with updates — from Dayot Upamecano’s ongoing contract standoff and Fabrizio Romano’s report linking Dušan Vlahović with a possible move to Munich, to Alphonso Davies detailing his recovery progress and declaring that “the worst is behind him.” Meanwhile, veteran Thomas Müller continues to make headlines in North America, scoring yet another match-winning goal for the Vancouver Whitecaps and preparing for a World Cup punditry role.
As the countdown to Der Klassiker ticks on, the mood in Munich is quietly confident. Kompany’s men know what’s at stake — not just three points, but bragging rights, momentum, and a statement of intent. Once the internationals are back, expect the training pitch at Säbener Straße to transform from a testing ground for youth to a crucible of preparation for Germany’s most iconic rivalry.
