by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The man behind Luis Diaz's recent upswing allowed himself a subtle smile.
After Bayern Munich reached the German Cup semifinals for the first time in six years, Vincent Kompany paused briefly before responding to questions about the Colombian forward's performance.
"Lucho is a machine," the former Manchester City defender said following Bayern's 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig, with the former Liverpool winger scoring his 19th goal of the season to go with 15 assists.
The Bayern coach pointed to Diaz's "inexhaustible energy," which the 29-year-old displays both on and off the pitch.
While teammates such as England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Joshua Kimmich praised the forward's attacking output, it is Kompany's empathetic approach that appears to be helping Diaz thrive.
Guiding the lionhearted striker, the Bayern coach has drawn on his full range of managerial experience. "He is full of energy, no matter how often or how long he plays," Kompany said, while admitting that "there are moments when a break is beneficial."
Although Diaz "would never ask for a rest," Kompany seems instinctively able to identify the decisive moments.
After the forward picked up a red-card suspension in the UEFA Champions League and a yellow-card ban in the Bundesliga, the Bayern coach granted him a few days off "to clear his mind and step out of the routine."
Diaz responded strongly after the winter break, re-establishing himself as a key figure as Bayern remain in contention for titles in all three competitions. Kompany has since described the Colombian as a cornerstone of the team's current momentum.
Kane praised Diaz as "a player who not only scores spectacular goals but also finishes the less glamorous ones," while Kimmich highlighted his tireless work rate, noting that the winger "covers every possible run at any moment."
News of Diaz's high-profile transfer has also resonated at his former club. Liverpool coach Arne Slot admitted he missed the Colombian's influence, saying that "you always miss good players." He cited financial considerations behind last summer's 67-million-euro move.
Initially facing criticism over an allegedly overpriced transfer, Bayern's new arrival has steadily strengthened the club's attacking force alongside Kane and French international Michael Olise.
Diaz's scoring rate has improved from 0.57 to 0.7 goals per game, and the missed chances that marked the first half of the 2025-26 season appear to be a thing of the past.
Kompany said that beneath the facade of a powerful striker lies a sensitive personality that requires careful management.
"From time to time, he needs a hug. The pushing, he does himself," the 39-year-old said. Drawing on his own career as a defender, Kompany added: "I can say I wouldn't have wanted to play against him. He is one of the trickiest players to take care of." ■
