Ibiza trip stirs up reactions at Bayern: 'A topic for you, not for me'

Vincent Kompany responded on Friday to the growing controversy surrounding a midweek trip to Ibiza taken by thirteen Bayern Munich players.

The mini-getaway, which occurred despite the Bundesliga season still being in progress, has become a hot topic in German football circles. The criticism doesn't stem merely from the act of taking time off, but from the timing and context: while Bayern Munich have already wrapped up the Bundesliga title, their upcoming opponent, 1899 Hoffenheim, is desperately battling to avoid relegation. For many observers, the optics of league champions partying before a game with major implications for another club’s future have raised serious questions.

Bayern will play their final match of the season on Saturday, May 17th at 15:30, away to Hoffenheim a club currently fighting for its life in the bottom portion of the table. Given the competitive significance of the fixture for Hoffenheim and the relative irrelevance for Bayern, the Ibiza trip has prompted accusations of potential Wettbewerbsverzerrung or competitive distortion a term used in Germany to describe situations where the fairness of competition may be compromised.

For Hoffenheim, every point is vital. A positive result against Bayern could be the difference between staying up or facing relegation to the 2. Bundesliga. Critics argue that Bayern’s decision to allow such a trip even if brief may result in a lack of sharpness or intensity from players who have already switched into holiday mode. Others see it as tone-deaf to the wider implications the match holds for the league.

But Kompany, recently appointed as Bayern’s head coach amid a transition period at the club, showed little concern over the media storm. His focus remains on preparing his team professionally, regardless of what is said externally.

"That was a topic for you, not for me," Kompany said bluntly when asked about the trip during his pre-match press conference. "From the first moment, my focus was on Hoffenheim and how we prepare for that match. We’ve had a full week to train, to regroup, and to keep working on what we want to build. The players have responded well. The fact that Bayern is constantly in the spotlight is nothing new. We accept that and move on."

Kompany's cool-headed response was in line with Bayern’s broader messaging. The club, accustomed to intense media scrutiny, has defended the trip as a harmless way for players to unwind after a long and successful season. Technical director Max Eberl, who has played a key role in managing squad dynamics and the sporting vision for the future, also addressed the situation.

“Last week, there were still a lot of unresolved matters in the Bundesliga, and we acted accordingly. But this week the situation has changed," said Eberl. "The players had some time off, and they chose to spend it together in Ibiza. We saw no problem with that. We know these players they’re professionals. They understand the responsibilities that come with wearing this badge, and they know we still have one more match to play. Of course, we will give everything in Hoffenheim. That’s not even a question."

Bayern’s response makes it clear that they are treating the final match seriously at least in terms of attitude and professionalism. Internally, the trip was approved as a reward for the squad after a demanding campaign, and the club insists that preparations for the Hoffenheim match have not been compromised.

For Hoffenheim, however, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The pressure is immense, and every detail matters in a relegation fight. Facing a side that just returned from a celebratory trip could be interpreted in two ways: either as an opportunity to catch a complacent opponent off-guard or as a psychological disadvantage, knowing Bayern’s squad is so confident they felt comfortable taking time off.

In any case, the fixture has now taken on added drama. Bayern’s approach will be watched closely, not just by Hoffenheim fans, but by the wider Bundesliga community. Other relegation-threatened clubs may feel their fates are indirectly tied to how seriously Bayern take the match, which only fuels the debate.

Beyond this match, the situation highlights a deeper issue about end-of-season conduct in professional football. Should clubs with nothing left to play for take extra responsibility when their matches affect others? Or is it fair to allow athletes to rest and enjoy themselves once their goals are achieved?

For now, Kompany and Bayern are pressing forward with calm confidence. The club's internal culture of excellence suggests that no matter the circumstances, their players will show up ready to perform. Whether that translates into a strong showing on Saturday remains to be seen but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Hoffenheim as the curtain falls on Bayern’s season.