Vincent Kompany refuses to use artificial pitch as excuse ahead of tricky Champions League tie against Viking

Bayern Munich are taking unprecedented steps to prepare for their upcoming Champions League clash against Viking Stavanger, with the German giants facing the rare challenge of an artificial surface. Manager Vincent Kompany has adjusted the club's typical travel schedule to ensure his squad can adapt to the synthetic turf at the Lyse Arena.

Kompany is leaving nothing to chance as Bayern prepare for a unique challenge in Norway. The German side usually conducts their final training session at Sabener Strase before flying to away fixtures, but the synthetic pitch in Stavanger has forced a change in protocol. To ensure his players are fully adjusted to the bounce and feel of the turf, Kompany scheduled an early flight on Monday to facilitate a training session on the actual match surface.