Kompany: Even if it s just 1-0, it s a victory now.
About away against Paphos
- This is a very normal game for us, this is the Champions League. This always gives us a special feeling, and we are full of respect for our opponents. Their path to advance to the Champions League is not smooth, and they have played seven games so far without losing one. We know what will happen, but we are fully confident that we can get 3 points - that's our goal!
About opponents
- This is a bit like the Club World Cup: If you want to play against opponents you don't encounter often, you have to rehearse everything from scratch, and there is very little information in advance. We have done all this now - we also see how important the role emotions play in the Club World Cup. Emotion is also important in tomorrow’s game, and it will make the game full of energy – but it’s also fun to know about new teams. When you have all the information, you will always be full of respect for your opponent. But in the end, I hope we can win.
Let's talk about Paphos
—My job is to know Paphos, their history and everything else—it's a little different. But I know their origins, and I understand the journey they have gone through: They are a young club, formed by the merger of two local clubs in 2014.
I know they have been very successful in recent years, playing in the European Union and playing against Jurgarden in the round of 16. This season, they faced Maccabi, Kiev, Olympiacos and Red Stars - these are all strong teams. I have coached some of these players—even a very famous centre-back, who I have played against several times in my career.
Continue to talk about Paphos
—Their offensive rhythm is good, and their offensive and defensive conversions are also very threatening. I know there are a few players on their team that should not be underestimated. Their coaches have coached over 700 games and are experienced. Their defense is strong and their offensive system is also very good. Their short and long passes cooperate well, actively striving for a second place to create space for the wingers – but we are ready. We are used to playing against teams who are thinking about how to beat us – we do the same, and the outside world may underestimate them, but we won’t.
Regarding balance
—I never said at the beginning of a game—perhaps in the second leg where goals were needed—that we wanted to score four or five goals today. No! We just want to win the game, even if it is just 1-0, it will be a victory. We have three games in nine days – rotation doesn’t mean we have to give a player a complete rest. Almost all players have been replaced at least once in the past few weeks, so there is no urgent need for rotation at this time.
But looking at the schedule and the intensity after international match days, we know that rotations have to be done. Now is also the time for players to show how great they can be when they get the opportunity - it is a healthy competition. Hopefully, by March and April, we will have a clearer understanding of the situation. Now is the time of fierce competition, and this kind of competition has also brought a special force!
