Footbal - Bayern Munich succeeds in hiring Kompany as their new coach.
Following the dedication of Vincent Kompany, FC Bayern Munich has concluded their prolonged quest for a coach and anticipates steadiness behind the sidelines with this unexpected option. The relatively inexperienced Belgian obtains a contract with the legendary German football team until June 30, 2027, as the Munich team announced on Wednesday. Kompany hails from English team FC Burnley, having just been relegated from the Premier League. Despite this, Bayern administrators foresee great promise in the 38-year-old.
"Vincent Kompany is driven and brings everything with him: As a player, he was a leadership figure in global top-tier football and is also forging the way as a coach," noted sports director Max Eberl in a statement. "We want more consistency in this position. Together with him, we aim to accomplish a lot at FC Bayern - and, of course, be successful together."
Alonso, Nagelsmann, Rangnick, Tuchel - now also Kompany
Following a turbulent month, the Bayern have gained planning certainty for the upcoming season. First, the desired suspects Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, and Ralf Rangnick withdrew their candidacy. Afterward, the endeavor to reverse the termination of Thomas Tuchel's contract in February failed. Consequently, Kompany, who during his illustrious playing tenure also played for two years at Hamburger SV (2006-2008), steps in as the substitute.
The most vivid recollection is mostly his tenure at English top club Manchester City. Post his departure from HSV, the former center-back not only determined the style of play for his team, captaining Manchester City for seven years from 2012, but also with his astute build-up play. His coaching career initiated in 2019 with a tenure at RSC Anderlecht, garnering no titles but leading Burnley to promotion to the Premier League in 2023 - however, the team was relegated right away.
"It's a tremendous honor to serve this team - FC Bayern is a foundation in international football," shared the new coach. "As a coach, you need to represent who you are as an individual: I adore having the ball, being creative - and we must be fearless and unwavering on the pitch."
Will Kompany orchestrate a "complete reboot" for Bayern?
The Munich team made the decision in February to sever ties with Tuchel by season's end. The former Champions League champion with Chelsea managed only the championship in the 2022/23 season with the Munich team in over a year. In the current league season, the squad succumbed to defeats by Bayer 04 Leverkusen as champions for the first time after 11 crowns. In the DFB Cup, the heavyweight champion had already been defeated humiliatingly in the second round against the third-division club 1. FC Saarbrücken. Consequently, it was the inaugural title-free season for the Munich team since 2012.
Kompany is now tasked with leading the reboot in the 2024/25 season, which will see the Champions League final materialize in Munich. Sports director Jan-Christian Dreesen had even declared a "complete reboot" following the premature termination of Tuchel. The pursuit of a coach became progressively more complicated than sports director Max Eberl had envisioned at the start of March.
We covet a coach who has been a part of Bayern Munich for an extended period in the long run," Eberl reiterated. "We seek continuity." Under Kompany, who perceives FC Bayern as a tremendous prospect in his fledgling career, the Munich team is now taking the risk of his little experience.
Alonso had been the ideal option, but the Spaniard intends to act as a mastermind in Leverkusen for the moment. The candidate for a return to FC Bayern was also National coach Nagelsmann, but he expanded his DFB contract until beyond the 2026 World Cup in April. Rangnick was almost in agreement with the Munich team, but ultimately withdrew.
Guardiola was the final Bayern coach who remained until the end of his contract - apart from the legendary Jupp Heynckes, who stepped in after Carlo Ancelotti until the termination of the season.
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