In a surprising move, Bayern Munich is set to appoint Vincent Kompany as their new manager, despite his modest managerial CV. Kompany, who recently managed Burnley, a club relegated from the English Premier League, has landed in Munich to finalize the deal with Germany’s most successful football club.
Kompany’s appointment comes with the endorsement of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Bayern Munich’s CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, revealed that Guardiola’s high praise for Kompany played a significant role in their decision. “Pep Guardiola was also helping us with Kompany. He spoke very highly of Vincent as a talented coach. Pep knows Vincent well and his opinion was really appreciated,” Rummenigge told Sky Germany.
While Kompany led Burnley to the EFL Championship title in 2022-23 and Anderlecht to the Belgian Cup runner-up in 2021-22, his overall managerial win rate stands at just 43%. This record is relatively light for a club that has claimed the UEFA Champions League six times. However, Kompany is seen as a promising young manager, with Guardiola expressing confidence in his future prospects.
Guardiola has previously predicted that Kompany will one day manage Manchester City. “His destiny to be manager of City is already written in the stars. It’s going to happen. I don’t know when but it’s going to happen,” Guardiola said in March 2023.
The deal for Kompany to join Bayern Munich is nearly finalized, with an official announcement expected soon. This marks a new chapter for both Kompany and Bayern as they embark on this unexpected yet promising partnership.