By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- After Bayern Munich's first Bundesliga loss since March 2025, Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich urged the club to stay focused on its objectives.

Speaking ahead of Bayern's final UEFA Champions League league phase match against Dutch side PSV, the 30-year-old called for "a reaction from us."

Although Bayern has already secured a top-eight place to bypass the playoff round and secure direct entry to the knockout stage, Kimmich stressed the importance of holding onto second place in the standings. Bayern's stated aim this season is to win the Champions League, he said, and teams that finish in the top two positions are guaranteed to play all their second-leg knockout ties at home.

"We would earn the opportunity to play the second match at home until the semifinals," Kimmich said.

He rejected the idea that Saturday's 2-1 loss to Augsburg should be seen as a warning shot, instead describing it as a reminder of what is required. "It tells us to stay completely focused on every game and give 100 percent," he said. "It all emerges in the reaction we show now. I am full of anticipation because I am convinced we will do it."

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said he remains optimistic, noting it had been 322 days since the club's previous league defeat.

"We know exactly what to do," Kompany said, adding that despite setting multiple scoring records and building a long winning run, the focus is now on preparing for the decisive phase of the Champions League.

The loss to Augsburg was only Bayern's second defeat of the season, following a Champions League defeat against Arsenal, but Kompany said the team can remain calm. Bayern still leads the Bundesliga by eight points and will avoid the Champions League playoffs that proved costly last season.

"We avoided the playoffs we had to go through last season," he said. "That is enough motivation to make the most of it this time."

Defender Jonathan Tah said the squad is eager to respond. "We feel a lot of rage in us that we want to unleash in the upcoming games," he said.

Former Bayern captain Lothar Matthaus raised concerns about a recent dip in defensive standards. The 64-year-old pointed to the number of chances conceded, citing 17 by Leipzig and 16 by Augsburg, and said Bayern has too often lost control of matches.

England captain Harry Kane, Bayern's leading scorer, played down any sense of alarm. "We are far from panicking," he said. "We have enough quality to get through."

Bayern's optimism has been tempered by injuries in defense, with Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano and Josip Stanisic sidelined. Attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala and fullback Alphonso Davies have returned but are still working their way back to top form. ■