Vincent Kompany has only been in office for a few weeks but has adapted well to life in Munich. There are even similarities in the approach between the Belgian strategist and Pep Guardiola.
Bayern are a team with many talented individuals, but Kompany has oriented them to develop as a cohesive team. And that is not an easy task for a 38-year-old new manager like Kompany.
Thomas Muller used the word happily to describe the atmosphere at the Allianz Arena at the moment. And it made us all realize that that was something the "Gray Tigers" lost throughout last season.
So what is Bayern under Kompany making a difference in? First, they kept pressuring their opponents, and did so happily for 90 minutes. They always try to regain control of the ball as quickly as possible, and this has Kompany's mark. Eliminate the pressure and sluggishness of last season, Bayern now is the image that everyone often sees.
It is impossible to talk about a fresh start under Kompany without emphasizing Michael Olise's explosive form. The former Crystal Palace player has scored 5 goals in just his first 6 matches for his new team.
Having a left foot but playing as a right winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Olise possesses a skill set that most players dream of. That is sophistication, imagination and finishing. Even with a transfer fee of €53 million, this could still be a bargain for the "Gray Tigers".
Olise is a perfect fit for Harry Kane, who has broken many new records in recent days. The striker has become the top scorer in both the Champions League and Bundesliga. With 10 goals in 6 matches, Kane is on his way to becoming the dominant striker in German football for the second consecutive season.
Meanwhile, Jamal Musiala continues to shine playing behind Kane. He continuously created seemingly impossible plays with his ability to dribble, run and pass the ball skillfully.
In addition, Kompany has made other wise decisions in terms of tactics and personnel. Joshua Kimmich is a holding midfielder rather than a right-back, even with Josip Stanisic and Sacha Boey absent due to injury. Aleksandar Pavlovic starts, while Joao Palhinha will be on the bench more than expected.
While Thomas Tuchel has had to rotate between different centre-backs, Kompany has clearly put his faith in the pair Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.
However, the real tests are yet to come for Kompany's side. And Leverkusen could be the test of the quality of the "Gray Tigers" at the moment. Although Leverkusen's defense is no longer solid, they still know how to cause difficulties for Bayern in a way that many other teams cannot.
After Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Eintracht Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Barcelona will be other challenges for Kompany. If he can still maintain his current form, Kompany's start at the Allianz Arena will not be a fluke.
