Bayern Munich has officially appointed Vincent Kompany, 38, as their new head coach on a three-year deal. Kompany leaves Burnley to take over at the German club, following the decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.
Bayern’s search for a replacement has been tumultuous, with Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, and Ralf Rangnick all declining the position. Crystal Palace rejected an approach for Oliver Glasner, a reunion with Hansi Flick was ruled out, and Tuchel decided against staying following discussions of a potential U-turn from the club.
The search led Bayern to Kompany, who has now been officially appointed. “I am looking forward to the challenge of Bayern. It is a great honour to be able to work for this club – Bayern is an institution in international football,”
Kompany said. “As a coach, you have to stand for who you are as a person: I love having the ball, being creative – and we also have to be aggressive on the pitch and courageous. I am now looking forward to the very elementary things: working with the players, forming a team. If the base is there, success will come.”
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen expressed confidence in the appointment, stating, “We all at the club agree that Vincent Kompany is the right coach for FC Bayern and are very much looking forward to working with him.”
Kompany’s appointment comes as a surprise, given that he was unable to save Burnley from Premier League relegation this season. However, he impressed in the Championship last season, leading Burnley to the title and introducing an attractive brand of football.
Burnley acknowledged Kompany’s move, stating, “We understand the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich and respect Vincent’s ambition to explore new opportunities.”
Before his tenure at Burnley, the Manchester City legend managed Anderlecht for two seasons, where the club finished fourth and third in the Belgian league.
