Bayern Munich have confirmed the appointment of Vincent Kompany as their new head coach. Kompany has joined Bayern on a three-year deal, replacing Thomas Tuchel. The former Manchester City captain, who began his coaching career in Belgium with Anderlecht, could not keep Burnley in the Premier League in 2023-24. The Clarets were relegated following a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor in their penultimate match of the season.
Less than two weeks after the campaign’s conclusion, Kompany has been installed as boss of one of Europe’s biggest clubs. The 38-year-old joins Bayern after Tuchel confirmed talks over potentially reversing the decision for him and the club to part ways had ended. Kompany is now set to lead Bayern until 2027.
Vincent Kompany is the new head coach of FC Bayern, putting pen to paper on a deal until 2027 #MiaSanMia
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) May 29, 2024
Bayern lost their last game of the Bundesliga season to finish in third place, having failed to win any of the four trophies they were in contention for. Their dominance of Germany’s top tier was ended by Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen team. Alonso had been Bayern’s primary target, but their former midfielder has elected to stay at Leverkusen for next season.
Bayern were also linked with Roberto De Zerbi, who has just left Brighton, and Brentford coach Thomas Frank, while they were turned down by Austria coach Ralf Rangnick. Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea on Monday, was also rumoured as a potential option.
Kompany is a surprise pick, but Bayern will be hoping he rediscovers the success he had during his first season at Turf Moor in 2022-23, when he guided Burnley to promotion from the Championship, earning 101 points in the process. However, Kompany’s possession-based approach was exposed in the Premier League, with Burnley winning just five games on their way to taking 24 points as they finished 19th.
Burnley FC confirmed that they have come to an agreement allowing Vincent Kompany to leave Turf Moor. In a statement, Burnley said they were initially confident of retaining their manager but acknowledged the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich.
Burnley’s Statement
“We understand the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich and respect Vincent’s ambition to explore new opportunities,” Burnley’s statement read. “We wish only the best for Vincent and would like to put on record our appreciation for his dedication every single day he was a part of this football club.”
Kompany leaves Burnley having managed 96 games, winning 41 (42.7 per cent) of those matches. Burnley’s priority remains the stability and success of the club as they aim for a return to the Premier League.
