Jonathan Tah urges Bayern Munich focus for Viking Champions League trip

Bayern Munich will take their Champions League campaign to Stavanger with Vincent Kompany and Jonathan Tah stressing that Viking must not be treated as a straightforward assignment, despite Bayern’s dominant opening result against Norwegian opposition. The German side began the league phase with a 5-0 win over Bodo/Glimt, but Tah has called for full focus at Lyse Arena.

What changed for Bayern

Bayern’s European start has reinforced the form of a forward line that has scored 62 times in its past 22 continental matches, without being kept scoreless during that sequence. However, the squad’s message before facing Viking is one of discipline rather than expectation.

Tah believes the hosts possess enough quality and confidence to make the match demanding. Viking are domestic champions and currently lead their league, while their opening Champions League fixture brought a competitive display despite a 3-1 loss at Stuttgart.

The centre-back highlighted Viking’s threat from dead-ball situations and said Bayern should expect an opponent prepared to attack rather than retreat. He said the team do not frame matches around being favourites, adding that Bayern’s focus is on its own performance and giving maximum commitment regardless of the opposition.

Competition context

The fixture is Bayern’s second test in the Champions League league phase, with the club looking to build on its emphatic result against Bodo/Glimt and protect its unbeaten European scoring run.

Kompany has rejected the idea that the journey to Norway is a routine occasion. He said that every Champions League match presents a challenge and that Bayern must approach the game with the mentality expected of the club.

• Viking are Norwegian champions and sit first in their domestic competition.
• They lost 3-1 at Stuttgart on the opening matchday.
• Bayern defeated Bodo/Glimt 5-0 in their first league-phase match.
• Bayern have scored 62 goals in their previous 22 European fixtures.

Kompany also acknowledged the significance of the occasion for Viking, while insisting it is equally important for Bayern. His side will travel prepared for an unpredictable contest rather than relying on its status or recent scoring record.

What is scheduled next

Bayern are due to face Viking at Lyse Arena in Stavanger, seeking a second victory that would strengthen their position before the fixture list becomes more demanding across domestic and European competition.

Kompany has a potential selection decision to make as Bayern manage a crowded schedule. Rotation of key players remains an option, but the manager’s comments indicate that any changes will be made without reducing the level of concentration required against Viking.