Bayern Munich Reacts to Arsenal Defeat: Dreesen Praises Kompany

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen offered a balanced perspective after Bayern Munich saw their impressive unbeaten run ended by a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. While the result was a setback, Dreesen was quick to highlight the positives and express gratitude for the work done by manager Vincent Kompany and his “outstanding and inspiring” team.

Bayern Munich’s Unbeaten Streak Snapped by Arsenal

Bayern Munich entered the Champions League fixture against Arsenal boasting an 18-game unbeaten streak since the start of the 2025-26 season, including a record-breaking 16 consecutive wins. However, the German giants were brought down to earth by a resurgent Arsenal side. After Jurrien Timber opened the scoring for Arsenal, Lennart Karl briefly leveled the match for Bayern. The second half saw the Gunners take control, with Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli scoring within eight minutes, sealing Bayern’s first defeat of the campaign.

This loss also marked Arsenal’s first victory over Bayern Munich in a decade, underlining the significance of the result for Mikel Arteta’s side, who remain the only club with a perfect record in this season’s Champions League group stage.

Dreesen: “Better Now Than in Knockout Phase”

Following the game, Dreesen addressed the players and staff at a post-match banquet in London. He reminded the team of their remarkable achievements so far and emphasized the importance of learning from setbacks. “In the last 18 competitive matches, with 17 wins and one draw, we’ve gotten used to winning. Naturally, it’s hard to accept something like that,” Dreesen admitted, referencing the long unbeaten spell.

Nevertheless, he praised the squad’s resilience and quality, stating, “You’re a fantastic team, you play outstanding football, inspiring football, and that’s what makes us and the fans happy.” Dreesen stressed that setbacks are part of football and that it’s preferable for Bayern to experience defeat now rather than during the high-stakes knockout rounds. “Some people said today, better now than sometime in the knockout phase—and there’s definitely something to that,” he added.

Bayern Munich Focuses on Moving Forward

Dreesen’s comments were not only a reflection on the loss but also an encouragement to move forward with confidence. He assured Kompany and the squad of the club’s continued belief in their abilities, declaring, “We trust you, you’re a top team and you know it, and that’s a good thing. So, dear Vincent, it’s a shame today, but we’re happy to be together with you.”

Vincent Kompany: No Excuses After Arsenal Defeat

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was candid in his post-match remarks, admitting that Arsenal were the superior side on the night. “I don’t like excuses. We’ve lost now, and let’s be honest: Arsenal were better today, and we have to fix that from Saturday onwards,” Kompany said. Despite a star-studded attack featuring Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz, Bayern struggled to match Arsenal’s intensity and were punished for defensive lapses.

What’s Next for Bayern Munich?

Despite the loss, Bayern Munich remain six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and will look to bounce back quickly when they host St. Pauli at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. The club’s focus now shifts to consolidating their league position and regaining momentum ahead of the Champions League knockout stages.

For those who want to stay updated on Bayern Munich’s progress and all the latest Champions League developments, visit for more news.

Opinion: Setbacks Can Be Stepping Stones

From a broader perspective, Bayern Munich’s defeat to Arsenal serves as a timely reminder that even the most dominant teams need to be tested to grow. Dreesen’s measured response and Kompany’s accountability set the right tone for recovery. With their depth and quality, Bayern remain formidable contenders both domestically and in Europe. This setback, if handled correctly, could be the catalyst that drives them to greater heights in the months ahead.