Matthäus takes a critical view of Kompany: „Of course it’s a risk!“

Vincent Kompany is now apparently set to become the new coach of FC Bayern Munich. A name that nobody would have thought of until a few days ago. The Belgian has not yet coached any major teams. Lothar Matthäus therefore has his doubts about this solution.

Normally, FCB has always reached for the very top shelf when choosing a coach. That could now change if the deal with Vincent Kompany and Burnley FC is actually finalised in the next few days. Once again, everything seems to be clear, with the only difference between the two clubs being the transfer fee.

If the 38-year-old takes over the Munich star ensemble, it will be an exciting constellation. Kompany, who speaks very good German and English, has only ever coached RSC Anderlecht and Burnley FC. He led the club from the second-tier Championship to the Premier League in his very first year in the 2022/23 season, but Burnley were immediately relegated with just 24 points.

Vincent Kompany: An experiment with an open outcome

There’s no doubt about it: Kompany has yet to achieve major successes with top teams as a coach, nor does he know how to deal with world-class players. The pressure and expectations of the media and fans at such a level as in Munich would also be completely new territory for him. Kompany would more or less be a kind of experiment, the outcome is open. His potential is undoubtedly great, and he should and could mature into a top coach at the Isar.

„Of course it’s a risk,“ said Lothar Matthäus. „He is now a coach who has not necessarily coached the really big clubs, who has had the really big successes as a coach,“ said the record international on the sidelines of the Europa League final between Atalanta Bergamo and Bayer 04 Leverkusen (3:0) on RTL on Wednesday evening.

City legend Kompany wants to join FC Bayern at all costs

As a player, however, things look different. After his time at Hamburger SV (2006 to 2008), Kompany became a club legend at Manchester City from 2008. He captained the Citizens from 2011 to 2019 and led his team to five league titles and several cup wins, including under Pep Guardiola. He has now been making a name for himself as a manager for just five seasons.

His journey is now set to continue at Säbener Straße, and Kompany seems to be really keen on this big task. Even despite the fact that numerous other names have previously cancelled. „If you are convinced of him as a coach, then you should finally let him sign and take him,“ Matthäus recommends.

Bayern under time pressure

Especially as time is running out and the squad still has a few holes to fill. It would of course make sense for the new head coach to be able to contribute his ideas. Especially as every potential new signing will probably want to know the name of the new strong man on the touchline. And real difference-makers are not on the market forever.

„Because otherwise there will be no coach at all in Bavaria next year and you have to present your coach as quickly as possible in order to push ahead with the planning,“ TV pundit Matthäus also demands.