Vincent Kompany has been in charge at FC Bayern for less than two years – but the Belgian has long enjoyed an extraordinary status within the club. Now Uli Hoeneß has found clear words in an interview with BILD, praising the 39-year-old to the skies
„Vincent Kompany is a six in the lottery for us – with an extra number,“ explained the honorary president of the record champions. A phrase that is rare in the Bayern cosmos. Hoeneß also made a direct comparison with predecessor Thomas Tuchel, whom he described as a „highly intelligent man“. Nevertheless, Tuchel failed to achieve something that had distinguished Kompany from day one: „Vincent immediately had a closeness and passion for his players.“
According to Hoeneß, this interpersonal approach in particular seems to be a decisive factor in the team’s positive development. Kompany demands clear improvements internally, openly addresses grievances – but behind closed doors. „He points out grievances internally, but he would never address them publicly. This makes your players stronger instead of weakening them,“ said Hoeneß
A side blow that makes it clear how important unity and leadership style are to the honorary president
Hoeneß sees potential for an era
Hoeneß‘ assessment of the long-term perspective is particularly remarkable. When asked whether Kompany could shape an era like Udo Lattek or Ottmar Hitzfeld once did, he answered without hesitation: „Absolutely.“
Lattek and Hitzfeld represent the most successful chapters in the club’s history, and the fact that Hoeneß has already placed Kompany in this category underlines the enormous trust that the coach enjoys at Säbener Straße
There is another aspect that Hoeneß emphasized: Kompany is „the most popular coach at FC Bayern for a long time“, a statement that reflects not only sporting competence, but above all leadership quality
Ultimately, success is what counts at FC Bayern, but how this success is achieved is just as important. Kompany currently seems to be delivering both: results – and a climate that is bringing the club closer together again.