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Kompany explains Bayern's bizarre lineup vs. Arsenal
Kompany says Bayern had only four attacking players in its squad planning for Arsenal, and drew two-two; the left-back played winger.
Watch it as it aired: Kenji Moonfield on this story, from BBN After Hours at 4:16 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Bavarian Football Works's, the jokes are ours.
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At a glance
- First reported by Bavarian Football Works: “Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany explains bizarre lineup vs. Arsenal”, with reporting from Get German Football News and Goal.
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 4:16 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Kenji Moonfield.
- Topics: Bayern Munich, Arsenal.
- BBN covered this story before: Arsenal draw at Bayern, United hammered, Collins courts Manchin (October 21).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- Bavarian Football WorksBayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany explains bizarre lineup vs. Arsenal
- Get German Football NewsWill Arsenal display open the door to a more advanced role for Alphonso Davies? - Get German Football News October 23, 2026 · facts used on air
- GoalTwo changes to Arsenal's line-up: and a surprise from Kompany regarding the Bayern Munich squad October 23, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBayern's coach says the club planned the Arsenal game with only four attacking players, and then put a left-back on the left wing.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentJoining us is Ignatius Brauweiler, sporting director of FC Ostmark Rovers, who knows a thing or two about building a squad.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentIgnatius, is four attackers a plan?
Ignatius BrauweilerYes. On paper, four attackers is a very efficient number, because you only have to learn four names.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentKompany says Olise was suspended, Musiala was out and Díaz was a doubt. So the four turned into about one.
Ignatius BrauweilerNo, and here is why. On paper, a doubt still counts as a player. We counted him. We just didn't ask him.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentKompany said the club had enough defenders at the moment, which is why Alphonso Davies played in attack. That's a very specific kind of enough.
Ignatius BrauweilerIt's a surplus, Kenji.
Ignatius BrauweilerOn paper, defenders are the one thing you can never have too many of, so you send the extras up the pitch.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBayern drew two-two. Díaz scored a hat-trick against Leipzig and started on the bench. Is that also on paper?
Ignatius BrauweilerEspecially on paper. A man who scores three is a man you save for later. It's the same logic as saving the good cheese.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentKompany's quote was, we knew a moment like this would come at some point, and we used it. They knew.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThat's the part I keep stuck on.
Ignatius BrauweilerExactly! You can't be surprised by a thing you scheduled. On paper we scheduled all of it.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentClip it. Last question. When you run out of defenders too, who plays winger?
Ignatius BrauweilerOn paper, the goalkeeper. Then we need a new goalkeeper, and a left-back is free.
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From the archive: everything BBN aired on Friday, October 23, 2026 · the Sports archive · all months

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