German top football league - Looking for eager Bavarians to join Kompany's work lifestyle.
Vincent Kompany, chatting in his new football home in a mix of German and English, confidently discussed the coaching style he plans to employ to help Bayern Munich regain their glory and win championships.
The fact that the Champions League final will be held at the Munich Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025, doesn't feel like an immense pressure to the 38-year-old Belgian, but rather a challenge, he insisted.
"We will always have lofty goals. I strive to win every match. But there's nothing to be gained by discussing the final now," remarked Kompany, who emerged as a surprising coaching candidate after the search for Bayern's top brass. This drive to succeed, according to Kompany, comes from the streets of Brussels where he honed his soccer skills on the street. One day at a time, one year at a time. "I have no other lifestyle other than work," said the father of three: "Work is my lifestyle - everything else is secondary."
Kompany believes that being a football coach is a "24/7 job," meaning seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This was his experience while working at RSC Anderlecht and later on at the relatively small FC Burnley. And he wishes to maintain the same dedication at the largest German football club. He aims to win everyone over, not just by his words, but through his actions on the pitch.
At his public presentation, Kompany came across convincingly, claiming that being the second choice for Bayern's leadership didn't bother him at all. He is "proud" and "motivated."
It was the responsibility of board member Jan-Christian Dreesen and sports director Max Eberl to stand by Kompany during the official announcement and lavish praise on the new coach. "Vincent Kompany is the choice for all of us," said Dreesen about the unity within the club. From him to Eberl and sports director Christoph Freund all the way up to the highly influential board members Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kompany will receive strong support.
"Bayern Munich has had a lot of instability in the coach position. That offers us the chance to become one again," announced Eberl. After the rejection of several top contenders like Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick, and the ultimately unsuccessful attempts to land Thomas Tuchel, Munich's sports director hailed Kompany as "one of the most fascinating coaches in Europe."
Kompany's name had been on the "coach wishlist" from the beginning, explained Eberl. Yes, they may have "perused a few other prospects," but now "the ideal coach for the coming years" had been found. Kompany's "exceptional personality" elicited glowing praise from Eberl: "We can't wait to embark on a new direction, new energy, new success."
Bayern will have to pay over ten million euros in compensation to Premier League relegated Burnley. Kompany has signed a three-year contract that lasts until 2027. This is the length of time when Pep Guardiola previously coached Bayern.
Kompany, Eberl, and Freund are now completely focused on squad restructuring. Kompany has sent a message to the Munich players, some of whom are on vacation while others are busy preparing for the European Championships with the German National Team in Thuringia. "I won't favor anyone. I just want to see who amongst them is most eager to represent this club and achieve success," said Kompany: "I'm very excited to work with everyone." The style of play geared towards winning in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB Cup should be both "brave" with the ball and generally "aggressive."
Eberl emphasized that there would be no wholesale changes to the Bayern roster. "Bayern Munich has never done a radical revamp," said the sports director. But there could be players who "would find the transition more difficult."
There's already more clarity in the squad planning than people may realize, added Eberl. Kompany, who has experience playing with numerous stars and major egos during his time as Manchester City captain, feels these skills compensate for his inexperience as a coach. "I've spent most of my career at this level."
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