BERLIN | Xinhua | Bayern Munich have named Vincent Kompany as their new head coach, the club confirmed via its official website on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old former center-back has signed a three-year deal that will keep him with Bayern Munich through June 2027.
“We all agree at the club that Vincent Kompany is the right coach for FC Bayern, and we are very much looking forward to working with him,” said Bayern chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen. “Max Eberl and Christoph Freund never gave up and worked meticulously to find a coach who would lead Bayern to success. Vincent Kompany represents exactly the togetherness and team spirit we need.”
Kompany, a German speaker, played two years in the Bundesliga with Hamburg SV from 2006 until 2008. The former Belgium international spent eleven years at Manchester City, where he lifted a total of 10 titles with the Sky Blues.
Most recently, Kompany coached in England, leading Burnley back into the Premier League before their subsequent relegation after one season.
“I am looking forward to the challenge with Bayern. It is a great honor to be able to work for this club. Bayern is an institution in international football,” said Kompany. “I am now looking forward to the most basic things: working with the players, building a team. Once the foundation is in place, success will follow.”
Kompany joins the German giants in a challenging situation and with high expectations. Bayern suffered their first trophyless season after 11 straight Bundesliga titles and ended in third place on the last matchday of the season. The previous season also started poorly, with the Bavarians crashing out in the second round of the German Cup after being knocked out by third-division outfit Saarbrucken.
“Vincent is hungry for success and brings everything we need. We would like to see more continuity in the coaching position. Together with him, we want to achieve a lot at Bayern,” said sporting director Max Eberl.
Vincent Kompany’s first competitive game as Bayern coach will be the curtain-raiser of the German Cup in August. ■