Vincent Kompany has been a revelation for Bayern Munich. The former Manchester City and Beligum defender remains in contention for all three trophies this season, with the Bundesliga already looking incredibly likely. This has invited comparisons with other coaches, including Champions League winners like Pep Guardiola and Jupp Heynckes.
It was FC Bayern legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge who made the appraisal, speaking about Kompany in glowing terms. “After several rejections, we opted for Vinnie,” he said (via @iMiaSanMia). “Sometimes fate smiles on you. We’re fortunate to have him.”
“I’ve seen great coaches at Bayern – Lattek, Hitzfeld, Heynckes, Guardiola – and Vinnie is adapting to that level.”
“I’m enjoying watching the team again, which wasn’t always the case in recent years,” he added. “The football is good, results follow, and there’s peace in the club again. The coach is the most important employee, and Vinnie is a blessing, also on a human level. He works with what the club gives him and makes the most of it. We also asked him to trust the academy more, and he’s integrated nine players, with Lennart Karl leading the way.”
Kompany does indeed seem like the perfect fit for Bayern Munich at the moment. Now, with the crucial part of the season coming up, it remains to be seen if he can live up to the legacy of his forebears. Bayern Munich are chasing a treble, and the chase lies in the hands of the coach.