"Yes, of course. I feel I'm much stronger. When Kompany arrived, a lot of things changed. He showed us ways to defend better. Watch a striker like Harry Kane come back to defend in the 87th minute, you think, 'Wow!' - it's like when a striker scores a goal. I enjoy defending. That's what I love: duels. I would never refuse a duel in my life."
"Whether it's with an opponent or with Olise in training, who's always looking to take on me. He tells me, 'Out of ten duels, I'll get past you ten times!' - but when I show him I don't want him to get past me, when I start putting my shoulder in, he starts trembling a bit (laughs). No, jokes aside, I love duels,"
Dayot Upamecano feels much stronger and more confident in one-on-one duels since Kompany's arrival and coaching. Kompany introduced defensive methods that improved the team's defending and Upamecano's approach to physical battles. Upamecano admires attackers who defend late and values defensive contributions as much as scoring moments. He actively seeks duels in matches and training, refusing to avoid contact and relishing physical contests. In training he specifically mentions battles with Olise and enjoys proving opponents wrong by using strength and shoulder contact. Embracing contact ensures a highly physical presence in virtually every game.
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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