Kompany reveals Champions League top-eight ambition despite slow start to campaign

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is aiming for a top-eight finish in the new-look Champions League format despite his side’s early set-backs in the competition, Soccernet.football reports.

The Bavarians will host Portuguese club side Benfica at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, seeking to bounce back from defeats against Aston Villa and Barcelona.

Kompany’s side currently sit in 23rd place after three matches. However, they’ve had more joy in the Bundesliga, boasting a three-point lead at the top of the table after nine games.

“What we know is you have to win around six (of eight) games to reach the top eight,” Kompany said as reported by Reuters.

“You have to win three games and that should be enough for the playoffs. My goal is to reach the top eight. I don’t want to think too far ahead because we have enough games.

“We have to win against Benfica. I don’t want to spend too much time thinking about what could happen in January.

“No one knows how it will work. We only know we want to win tomorrow. We play at home. That is my only goal.”

Bayern remain confident of reviving their European campaign, thanks to a strong record against Benfica, with nine wins and three draws in their 12 previous meetings.

However, the Portuguese giants, who have already defeated Atletico Madrid and Red Star Belgrade, will be looking to break that streak despite their recent loss to Feyenoord.

“We have a lot of confidence going into this game. We will always adapt and take the steps that are right for the team,” Kompany said.

“But to say we will change everything is not serious. We just want to win again at home.