Vincent Kompany has made a name for himself at FC Bayern not only through his athletic achievements. The Belgian also places great importance on his relationship with the fans of the German record champions. Ahead of the Champions League match against Viking Stavanger, the 40-year-old spoke about the special bond between the team and its supporters—and made it clear why personal contact is so important to him.
FC Bayern is one of the world’s biggest soccer clubs. Whether in Munich, at away games in the Bundesliga, or on the international stage, the team is regularly greeted by large crowds of fans.
Upon their arrival in Norway, it was once again evident just how much enthusiasm the German record champions can generate.
For Kompany, this support is by no means a given. At the press conference ahead of the Champions League match, the Bayern coach explained why he and his players try to make as much time as possible for the fans despite a tight schedule. “Bayern Munich is a club that belongs to the fans. It’s not always possible to take selfies and sign autographs for everyone,” Kompany explained.
However, the Belgian knows from his own experience just how meaningful even brief encounters with soccer stars can be. “But we were all kids once. And when you get autographs from players, it gives you a special kind of motivation—even if a player only takes a few seconds,” emphasized the Bayern coach.
That’s precisely why it’s important to him that the team be open and approachable toward the fans. “We always try to do that, because it’s amazing how many people came to see us arrive,” Kompany explained, referring to the reception in Norway.
For the Bayern coach, it’s not just about autographs or taking photos together. Rather, he wants to convey that the stars of the record-breaking champions are just ordinary people, despite their fame.
“We’re just ordinary people, after all.”
In this context, Kompany also offered a brief glimpse into the inner workings of the Bayern locker room. “We’re just ordinary people. And when I’m in the locker room, they’re just ordinary people too—they crack jokes and have fun. We’re no different at all,” explained the 40-year-old.
Nevertheless, the immense enthusiasm surrounding FC Bayern never ceases to impress the former world-class defender.
As an example, Kompany recalled an away trip to Elversberg, where numerous fans had been waiting for the team.
“In Elversberg, 1,500 people were waiting for us outside the hotel—it’s unbelievable how many people this club inspires,” the Belgian reported.
Experiences like these drive home to the players and the coaching staff just how important FC Bayern is to its fans.
Bayern Coach Knows the Importance of Small Gestures
For Kompany, personal contact with the fans is therefore an important part of his work with the German record champions.
While results and titles take center stage on the field, even just a few seconds off the field can be enough to give a young fan a special memory.
“And we do that because we know what it means to them,” Kompany clarified.
These remarks demonstrate once again the importance the Belgian places on human interaction at FC Bayern.
Especially at a club that inspires millions of fans worldwide, maintaining that closeness to the fans isn’t always easy.
Nevertheless, Kompany wants to ensure that this connection isn’t lost, even amid the hectic pace of everyday soccer life.