SOCCER: Kompany's birthday wish is three points for Bayern

MUNICH, Germany - Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany brushed off questions about his 40th birthday celebrations on Friday, saying his full focus remains on securing another step toward the Bundesliga title and preparing for next week’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Bayern travel to face St. Pauli on Saturday holding a nine-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with six matches remaining. The German champions also carry a 2-1 advantage over Real Madrid in their Champions League quarterfinal after their win at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

“Short answer is no,” Kompany said when asked if he planned to celebrate his birthday. “We can only wish for the three points against St. Pauli. I always celebrated birthdays at the stage of semifinals and quarterfinals, so it’s a bonus if you get wins at these moments.”

“I am trying to run away from all the birthday stuff,” he added. “We are in priority mode. At this moment there are enough emotions in the coming days. Maybe some red wine tonight, but first we prepare for the match.”

Bayern remain in contention for three trophies this season, with a German Cup semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen scheduled for April 22.

The club could also set a new Bundesliga record for most goals in a single season on Saturday, having already scored 100 goals—just one short of the all-time mark.

Kompany suggested there could be changes to his lineup against St. Pauli as he manages player fitness.

“I want to have a team that can bring the same intensity and concentration as in Madrid. Normally it is not a problem for us, but at the moment I will not only look at quality but also how fresh everyone is,” he said.

“Whatever changes we make, if we make any, we don’t want to lose what we have.”

Looking ahead to the second leg against Real Madrid, Kompany stressed that Bayern’s approach will remain simple.

“A win in the Bernabeu and next week we want to win at home. My thoughts on this are very uncomplicated,” he said. -Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters