Company secures Bayern coaching role under Hoeneß's goodwill.
What about Vincent Kompany, the potential savior in the Bayern Munich coaching saga? It's irrelevant for him since he's prepared for a big chance. His coach speaks highly of him, and Julian Nagelsmann has faith in him. However, it'll probably happen only because Uli Hoeneß wants it.
When you scan through the long list of candidates for Bayern Munich's head coach, you'll find Vincent Kompany, a recent entrant to the world of coaching. The former Bundesliga defender for Hamburg SV could be deep in the Munich coaching tier, falling behind the unsuccessful 1A option Xabi Alonso who scored an impressive double with Bayer Leverkusen.
The Belgian, 38 years old, and coaching since 2020 first at RSC Anderlecht, then at FC Burnley, sees his impending appointment at this legendary German club as a remarkable opportunity.
The praise of the legendary Pep Guardiola accompanies him. And as Bayern Münich finished without a title since 2012, the stage looks set for Kompany to make his mark on the club.
"It's a good situation for a young trainer like him," said the national coach Julian Nagelsmann in the DFB Cup final between Leverkusen and Kaiserslautern. Kompany could establish his legacy on the Isar in this context.
Nagelsmann, who was also the predecessor to Tuchel at FC Bayern between 2021 and 2023, was one of the runners-up for the Bayern manager's position after Xabi Alonso and ahead of the risky choice Kompany. His completion of the contract until June 2027 in Munich is expected.
He could cause greater changes in Bayern than if Bayern had claimed the championship again, said Nagelsmann. The national coach also admitted that he doesn't know Kompany well. "I heard that he's an excellent coach with a good outlook and has worked with many excellent coaches that have trained him," said Nagelsmann, adding that he thought Edward would do well.
Guardiola also lauded Kompany, attesting to his great respect for Kompany's work, personality, and knowledge of the game, his interactions with the media, amongst other things. After working together for three years before Kompany moved to Anderlecht in the summer of 2019 as a player-coach, Guardiola said, "I have a lot of respect for 'Vinny.'" His fall from grace with Burnley doesn't change that opinion.
At Burnley, Kompany led the team to promotion to the Premier League in 2023, winning 29 games out of 46 in the Championship and then relegated with only 24 points as second-to-last. The team was an underdog for the Premier League, with critics pointing at the lack of necessary muscle in the squad.
"If they think 'Vinny' is the best choice," said Guardiola to Munich's top executives, "then this young man deserves unwavering support. I'd be delighted if Bayern makes the right decision, as I hold this club dear for various reasons, notably the people who've stayed behind."
Reliant on Hoeneß's Approval
Unconditional support? That's a strong declaration. But the discordant committees of the club better agree with Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge's decision for the personnel matter. Otherwise, there wouldn't be the three-year deal, or the release to Burnley which reportedly costs between 10 and 12 million euros.
"Uli Hoeneß has built up this club, and that's always the issue with his actions. When he has a coach he can control, everythings's fine. When there's a coach that can't mesh with him, then there were issues," said former Bayern coach Felix Magath, who claimed three doubles for the club between 2004 and 2007 in a Sky transmission about the crisis in Bayern.
This has been going on for years. "Everyone here is dependent on the grace of those in power." So, Kompany, too, should comprehend that. Whether you call him an E-solution or an ABC-solution doesn't matter.
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- The calm before the upheaval: Nagelsmann's European Championship plans
- Despite Nagelsmann being a strong contender for the Bayern Munich manager's position, Uli Hoeneß's support was crucial for Vincent Kompany to secure the role, as reflected in the three-year deal and the transfer to Burnley.
- Bayern Munich's Soccer Bundesliga title drought since 2012 has created an opportunity for new coach Vincent Kompany to make his mark, with Pep Guardiola praising his work and knowledge of the game.
- FC Bayern Munich's former coach Thomas Tuchel commended Julian Nagelsmann's tenure, stating that Nagelsmann was capable of making more significant changes at the club than even if Bayern had won the championship again.
Source: www.ntv.de
