Manuel Neuer and Vincent Kompany have laid down an uncompromising marker ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League campaign, declaring the German giants have “no excuses” as they target European glory.

Bayern begin their quest on Thursday against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt at the Allianz Arena, looking to bounce back from last season's semi-final heartbreak against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

For veteran captain Neuer, the competition carries extra emotional weight. The goalkeeper has won two Champions League crowns in Munich and is expected to bring down the curtain on his decorated career at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

“I'm going into the season with all the possible aims we can achieve. We have the potential, which is also a reason I continued,” Neuer said. “It would mean everything to me personally to win the Champions League a third time.”

“I don't want to speak too much about titles, though. We're at the start now, and we know we have difficult games ahead. We've experienced bitter defeats, but it's also an added dose of motivation for us that we want to play in Madrid next summer.”

Neuer, who recently made his 600th appearance for Bayern and is embarking on his 21st consecutive Bundesliga campaign, is in line to make his 162nd Champions League appearance this week. Only former Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas (177) has played more matches in the competition among goalkeepers.

Bayern boss Kompany echoed his captain's ambitions, insisting his squad must embrace the pressure to deliver a seventh European crown.

“Bayern are one of the clubs who always have the aim of winning the title at the start of the season,” Kompany said. “There are always lessons to learn. It's not always in your own hands; it's about details. There are no excuses; you have to be better than the opposition. But you also need luck, which you have to force.”

Kompany also paid tribute to opening opponents Bodo/Glimt, who stunned Inter Milan in the knockout-stage play-offs last term. “Bodo/Glimt is a great story for football,” he noted. “Every player can run a lot; every player wants to defend and press. With the money they have, they shouldn't really be competing with the teams that they are – that's the biggest compliment you can pay.”

Bayern boast an intimidating record in opening fixtures, having won their opening match in each of their last 23 major European campaigns. They have also won 36 of their last 38 home Champions League group and league phase encounters.

Kompany could also welcome back winger Serge Gnabry, who has been sidelined with an adductor issue since April. “The main thing is that we've not forgotten how good he was last season,” Kompany stated. “Our aim is for him to get back to that level. When Serge reaches his level, everyone else in that position also has to be good; then you have that competition and sharpness.”