- Vincent Kompany warned Bayern Munich not to underestimate Schalke as they prepare for the hosts’ first Bundesliga home game in three years
- Kompany dismissed reports that he pushed Bayern to make a third major summer signing, describing the claim as having no truth behind it
- Aleksandar Pavlović turned down Manchester City’s approach in the summer
Bayern Munich turn their attention back to the Bundesliga this weekend, but Vincent Kompany’s pre-match press conference also provided a chance to address some of the transfer stories surrounding the club after the summer window.
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Schalke, the Bayern coach warned his players against taking anything for granted, rejected claims that he had pushed for another major summer signing and spoke against the backdrop of fresh reports that Aleksandar Pavlović had turned down the chance to join Manchester City.
Kompany Warns Bayern Ahead of Schalke Trip
Bayern travel to Schalke on Saturday for what will be the hosts’ first Bundesliga home game in three years. Kompany knows the atmosphere well from his own playing career and expects Bayern to face a highly motivated opponent.
Despite Bayern entering the fixture as favourites, the coach insisted that recent performances will count for little once the game begins.
Kompany said: “I’ve played there a few times with City and HSV. It’s an arena that we, and I, know well. We’re considered favorites for tomorrow, but we shouldn’t believe that. It always starts from scratch. A good performance against Osnabrück and Stuttgart doesn’t automatically guarantee success against Schalke. Their anticipation for the first Bundesliga home game after three years is immense. They shouldn’t be hungrier than us tomorrow.”
Aleksandar Pavlović rejected an inquiry from Manchester City, who were willing to bid up to €100m for him. An initial inquiry from City had already taken place in March. The German international was City's preferred target for the position, with coach Enzo Maresca actively… pic.twitter.com/dvUwE8b9L9
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) September 3, 2026
Kompany Rejects Claims He Wanted Another Major Signing
The Bayern coach was also asked about reports suggesting that he wanted the club to complete a third major signing during the summer transfer window.
Kompany firmly rejected that suggestion and said the story did not reflect the discussions taking place inside the club.
He said: “This is completely out of the blue. I didn’t even wake up thinking about that. What we discuss internally stays internal. But I’m totally surprised that something like this was circulating in the media; I never woke up thinking about it. I wonder how this came about. So many things quickly become topics of discussion without any truth behind them.”
While Kompany played down suggestions that Bayern had been pushing for another major addition, one of the club’s own midfielders was reportedly the subject of significant interest elsewhere.
Pavlović Turned Down Manchester City Move
According to Bild, Manchester City explored a move for Aleksandar Pavlović during the summer as they searched for a replacement for Rodri following his transfer to Barcelona.
City contacted the representatives of the 22-year-old Germany international and identified him as their preferred option for the role. Enzo Maresca was also reportedly involved in attempts to convince Pavlović to move to the Etihad.
The midfielder, however, made it clear that he did not want to leave Bayern. Pavlović is settled in Munich and wants to pursue Champions League success with his hometown club.
City were reportedly prepared to offer Bayern €100 million, but Pavlović’s stance meant that no formal bid was submitted. The Premier League club subsequently signed Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille instead.
Pavlović Remains Part of Bayern’s Long-Term Plans
Pavlović’s decision underlines his strong connection with Bayern. He has been with the club since 2011 and is under contract until the summer of 2029.
At first-team level, the midfielder has made 102 appearances for Bayern, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.
With the transfer window closed, Bayern can now turn fully towards their domestic and European ambitions, beginning with a potentially difficult trip to a Schalke side returning to Bundesliga action in front of its own supporters.
