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BERLIN | Xinhua | There seems no better reference for a young coach than to be praised by Germany national coach Julian Nagelsmann and Spain’s coaching icon Pep Guardiola.
Considering that, Vincent Kompany’s start as Bayern Munich head coach next season couldn’t be more promising.
While the official announcement is still to come and is expected for the coming week, reports in both British and German media say the 38-year-old former Manchester City captain and current coach of relegated Premier League side Burnley is to take over at Bayern.
“I have the biggest admiration for his work, personality and expertise,” City coach and former Bayern manager Guardiola said.
Former Bayern coach and current Germany coach Nagelsmann said it is a good starting point for a young coach to take over a side that has failed to win a title.
“I have heard he is a promising coach with a great perspective and had the best teachers in the form of great and experienced coaches,” the 36-year-old stated.
Kompany is said to have signed a contract until 2027 with Bayern, with reports suggesting the club paid Burnley up to 12 million euros to sign the Belgian, who will replace the departing Thomas Tuchel.
After several reported rejections from the likes of Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Austria national coach Ralf Rangnick, Roberto de Zerbi (Brighton) and others, former Belgium international Kompany seems at first glance to be an emergency solution.
Former Bayern and Germany national coach Hansi Flick was said to be on the list, but reports suggest he is set to join Barcelona.
Reports speak of Bayern’s director of sport Max Eberl having convinced the club’s former managing director and supervising board member Uli Hoeness. Eberl is said to have expressed his conviction to regard Kompany as a promising coaching giant on his way to success.
The curious search for a successor for the departing Tuchel increases the pressure on Bayern’s leaders, while the current team is said to face a substantial renovation.
Reports speak of Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven), Dani Olmo and Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), and Jonathan Tah (Leverkusen) being on Bayern’s shopping list.
Bayern’s attempt to return to glory after a disappointing season is accompanied by doubts from several former professionals and TV pundits.
Many speak of a risky move, while Bayern claim Kompany has always been near the top of their list of candidates.
Eberl claims Kompany has been influenced as a coach by Guardiola and is relying on a comparable playing style of control and tactical variability, aside from his emotional skills when dealing with players.
