The Bavarians have been eliminated in the second round of the DFB-Pokal in three of the last four editions, and face Mainz on Wednesday.

Vincent Kompany insisted Bayern Munich’s DFB-Pokal second-round tie against Mainz is “just as important as a final,” with the aim of improving their cup record. 

Bayern have struggled in previous editions of the tournament, losing to Holstein Kiel, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Saarbrucken in the second round in three of the last four editions.

The 20-time champions of the competition reached the quarter-finals against Freiburg in 2022-23 – their best run since winning the title against Bayer Leverkusen in 2020.

Wednesday’s fixture offers the chance for Bayern to improve their DFB-Pokal record, though Kompany was not underestimating Mainz’s threat. 

“We cannot change the past,” Kompany told a press conference. “Now it is about what we can deliver tonight.

“That is where our entire focus is on. I have a lot of faith in the team.”

“For us, it is as important as a final because it is the next game, and we want to win it, and we will do everything to be successful.

The Belgian revealed how Mainz remains a solid side, thriving in a  in one-on-one situations to put pressure on opponents.

“Asked about his chances of progression in the competition, “It is a Cup game and no easy task. It is important that we keep at it.” He added 

Kompany led his side back to winning ways in the Bundesliga at the weekend with a 5-0 thrashing of Bochum after losing to Barcelona in the Champions League. 

Barca’s 4-1 triumph ended a run of six games without a win against Bayern in the competition, leaving Kompany’s men with three points from their first three games.

But victory over Bochum ensured they remained ahead of RB Leipzig on goal difference at the Bundesliga summit. 

Kompany has seen his team net 12 goals in their last three matches and was happy with the players’ response to their midweek humbling against Barca.