Mark van Bommel can basically imagine a coaching job at FC Bayern – at least he doesn’t rule it out. In an interview with the Abendzeitung newspaper, the former captain of the record champions spoke openly about his future as a coach and also talked about a possible return to Munich.
When asked what would happen if Uli Hoeneß or sporting director Max Eberl were to get in touch one day, the Dutchman initially replied diplomatically: „That could be.“ A clear commitment or rejection did not follow, instead van Bommel added: „That depends on what they ask.“
The 47-year-old, who played for FC Bayern from 2006 to 2011 and was captain for two and a half years, is currently without a club. After his successful stint at Royal Antwerp, which he crowned with the Belgian league and cup double in 2023, he left the club prematurely in May 2024. Since then, van Bommel has deliberately taken a break.
„I’m not impatient, but I feel like it,“ he clarified, explaining his current situation. In the first year after his departure, there were definitely inquiries, but joining in the middle of the season was out of the question for him. Last summer, he actually wanted to start again, but then decided otherwise: „Then Ruben tore his cruciate ligament. For me, the decision was clear: I would stay with my son until he got back on his feet.“
Van Bommel: „It would be nice to take over a team again“
Van Bommel emphasized that he is consciously taking his time and does not want to force anything. At the same time, his desire to return to the coaching bench is clearly evident. „It would be nice to take over a team again and convey my idea of playing soccer,“ said the former midfielder, who was known for his leadership and aggressiveness as a professional.
Van Bommel continues to follow FC Bayern closely. He described Vincent Kompany’s current team as „outstanding“, praised the coach’s idea of the game and referred to his training under Pep Guardiola. He also knows the environment in Munich well – and knows what is important there. Above all, it is crucial to exude calm: as Bayern coach, you „can’t be too hyper“.
Contact with Munich has never been completely severed. He still has a connection with Uli Hoeneß in particular, even if not on a day-to-day basis. Meetings mainly take place at events such as the recent Legends Tournament in the SAP Garden.
