By SABC Sport
17th October 2024
After a challenging search for a new manager, Bayern Munich secured Vincent Kompany, who made the significant transition from recently relegated English club Burnley to the German champions.
As previously reported, Guardiola played a crucial role in this decision, enthusiastically recommending the Belgian coach to Rummenigge, who had sought his advice.
During his time at Manchester City, Kompany featured in 62 matches under Guardiola, with the pair enjoying considerable success, including the Premier League titles in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. As a coach, Kompany's approach - marked by high pressing, a high defensive line, and an emphasis on possession - bears a strong resemblance to Guardiola's philosophy.
In an exclusive interview with Kicker, Rummenigge revealed that it was on the suggestion of Sporting Director Max Eberl that he reached out to Guardiola about the potential appointment of Kompany. The two engaged in an in-depth conversation lasting nearly two hours.
"I told Pep that I needed an analysis that was authentic and honest. To cut a long story short: he said he was 100% convinced that Vincent Kompany was absolutely the right coach for FC Bayern," Rummenigge stated.
Guardiola's endorsement undoubtedly carried significant weight for Rummenigge and the Bayern board, ultimately leading to Kompany's appointment.
Rummenigge expressed confidence in their choice, noting that despite facing multiple rejections during their search, they had landed the right candidate.
"I think Kompany will be a lucky find for us. Sometimes fate helps you: the number of rejections that Max Eberl had to deal with meant that we may have ended up getting exactly the coach we needed for this team. There are two decisive factors: the team enjoys the style of footballâand so do the fans. Football has to be fun. That's exactly why kids play football in the street. And you can see that in our team too," he remarked.
Names like Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick, Oliver Glasner, and Xabi Alonso were among those Bayern considered before settling on Kompany, who has five years of coaching experience (three seasons at Anderlecht and two at Burnley).
Thus far this season, Kompany has met expectations, with Bayern playing an attractive, attacking style of football. Rummenigge praised this approach during the interview, suggesting it contrasts with the less appealing football under former coach Thomas Tuchel.
While Bayern appears to have rediscovered their flair, the season is still in its early stages, and Kompany will face new challenges as more matches unfold. It will be interesting to see how the team adapts while maintaining their style of play.