Kompany relishing favourites tag against Koln in DFB-Pokal

Vincent Kompany believes Bayern Munich are not affected by pressure as they prepare for their DFB-Pokal tie against Koln.

The Bundesliga champions travel to Koln on Wednesday, aiming to extend their winning start in all competitions to 14 games this season.

Bayern are looking to reach the last 16 of the competition, the same round in which they were knocked out last term by Bayer Leverkusen.

The Bavarian giants are favourites against Koln, who sit eighth in the Bundesliga, with Bayern’s last competitive defeat against their upcoming opponents coming in February 2011.

Although Kompany is wary of the threat Koln pose, the Belgian coach is confident his side will progress to the next round.

“You always feel that the cup is special. I always like it when we've got a bit of pressure,” said Kompany in his pre-match press conference.

“That's never had a bad impact on my team. I always feel like when the performance is right, we've got a big chance of reaching the next round or getting three points.

“So, pressure doesn't bother me. But the obligation to win? Football is always the same. But the desire to be in a cup final doesn't just come from the fans but also from us.

“They've [Koln] done very well so far, above all what they do in defence. I like the urgency they have, how quickly they close down the spaces to prevent shots and crosses.

“They're also really dangerous on the break and have hurt a lot of teams there already. It's not just defending their box but also a good, solid central block from which they can launch dangerous counters.

“They're at home, believe in their chance, but we're going to Cologne with great hunger for this cup tie. We're doing a lot right at the moment and want to take that into the Koln game as well.”