Vincent Kompany was introduced as the new head coach of Bayern Munich on Thursday. The Belgian faced a challenging start, as he was confronted by the attending journalists with the fact that some key figures at the club had preferred a different coach.
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Shortly before Kompany's appointment, BILD reported that Bayern icons and board members Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wanted to bring Hansi Flick back as coach.
They had already held talks with him and even reached an agreement. However, sporting director Max Eberl and colleague Christoph Freund chose Kompany.
At the press conference, Kompany was confronted with this information. He responded, "For me, it's not so important that everyone is convinced of my abilities beforehand. But they need to be convinced afterwards. And I'm sure that will happen. I also spoke with Uli. I know that I am not only the choice of Max and Christoph, but also of Uli and Karl-Heinz."
Reportedly, Kompany was certainly not Bayern's first choice. The club initially approached others such as Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick, Xabi Alonso, and Oliver Glasner. Kompany is not concerned about this. "I understand that they went through a certain process. The fact that I was ultimately appointed means they did good work."
"Christoph and I created a detailed profile," Eberl explained about the coaching search. "Experience was an important factor. In hindsight, I say: we should have spoken with Kompany earlier. Everyone needs to start somewhere to gain experience. There was never any objection within the club when we discussed his name. Internally, this was a good process. And the best always comes last."
"His two years at Anderlecht were exceptional, with incredibly attractive football," Eberl continued. "He decided to move to the Championship and broke the points record in his first year. I am very pleased that we managed to bring him in. We have found one of the most interesting coaches in Europe."
Kompany's appointment is seen as a significant move for Bayern Munich, especially given the club's high standards and expectations. His track record at Anderlecht, where he implemented a dynamic and attractive style of play, caught the attention of many in the football world. His success continued in the Championship, where he demonstrated his tactical acumen and ability to motivate players.
Eberl further elaborated on the decision to hire Kompany, noting that his leadership qualities and vision for the game align well with Bayern's philosophy. "We needed someone who could bring fresh ideas and energy to the team. Vincent has shown that he can do that and more. His approach to football is innovative, and his ability to connect with players is remarkable."
The decision to choose Kompany over more experienced candidates was not taken lightly. The club's hierarchy considered various factors, including the potential for long-term success and the ability to adapt to Bayern's unique culture and expectations. Kompany's willingness to embrace challenges and his proven track record of success in different leagues made him an attractive choice.
As Kompany prepares to lead Bayern into the new season, the focus will be on maintaining the club's dominance in domestic competitions while also aiming for success in Europe. His appointment marks a new chapter for Bayern Munich, one that promises to bring exciting football and potentially more trophies to the club's illustrious history.
