Sports reporters in Bavaria and East Lancashire, and everywhere in between, have been busy trying to work out just how likely it is that Vincent Kompany is soon to be revealed as the next Bayern Munich manager.
Over the last 24 hours the story has gathered pace and it seems ever more likely that the Burnley boss will be clearing his desk at Turf Moor and heading to the Bundesliga, along with his coaching team.
It’s a curious situation.
Kompany has just seen his Burnley team relegated back to the Championship, just 12 months after they ripped up the second tier in a record-breaking campaign, smashing through the 100-point barrier. He brought in a large collection of talented young players from European clubs, many of who could make it to the top in good time…but they weren’t ready to take on the toughest league in the world in 2024.
Burnley won just five games and finished in 19th place; the last time the Clarets had won fewer games in a season was in 1889…some 135 years ago!
So what do the Bayern Munich owners see in Kompany?
Well; as one of the greatest central defenders of all time and a hugely decorated player, with a statue of him at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, he has legendary status and, at Burnley many of his recruits chose the rainy northern English town because Kompany wanted them.
As a head coach, with former Bayern boss Pep Guardiola as his mentor, Kompany has a high ceiling and, despite this disastrous Premier League campaign, still looks capable of going to the top. His football philosophy was formed at Manchester City, with an emphasis on possession and a focus on scoring a goal wherever the ball is on the pitch. He speaks four languages fluently, including German, and he has played in the Bundesliga, for Hamburg at the start of his career. With an MBA from Manchester Business School Kompany has a thirst for knowledge; but if he does walk into Munich over the next few days he will have to show what he has learned and what he can bring to the deposed champions.
Bayern are in decline for the first time in over a decade and it will be no surprise if they are not top dogs when the Bundesliga 2024 betting odds are calculated over the next few weeks.
If, as expected, Kompany replaces Thomas Tuchel as Bayern boss he will need to put together a strong set of Bundesliga 2024 results pretty quickly, to allay any fears that the Munich board have gambled on pedigree, without the necessary experience, to take on one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Kompany is still only 38 years of age, a month younger than Bayern’s captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer; and it will be fascinating to see if we get a reaction from ex-Spurs star Harry Kane if the former Manchester City defender becomes his boss.
If he does land the job, Kompany is likely to look to current or ex-Manchester City players to strengthen his hand, just as he did at Burnley. Though he will need top-flight-ready players if Bayern’s decline is to turn around under his leadership. He knows what makes a top-class defender and he could turn to centre-back Aymeric Laporte who, after five successful years at Manchester City, went to play for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Back in 2018 Laporte took Kompany’s place at the heart of the City defence and his own chances at the Etihad became limited last year following the arrival of Josko Gvardiol.
But the Spain international has not been impressed at Al-Nassr, criticising several aspects of the Saudi league and he would most likely welcome a return to Europe.
And another Spaniard could well follow Kompany to Munich if the move comes off. 23-year-old winger Sergio Gomez was hailed as a future star at the Etihad but he has struggled for game time and he could be receptive to a move. Gomez knows all about Kompany’s coaching techniques, playing 47 matches for him when he was Anderlecht boss in the Belgium Pro League, scoring seven goals and making 15 assists and there was a chance of Gomez following him to Burnley in 2022.
Kompany recommended Gomez to City and, with Alphonso Davies one player rumoured to be on his way out of Munich, he might well tempt him to reunite in the Bundesliga.
So, if Kompany does head to Bavaria what will he face?
Well, if he can help Bayern turn the tide, VK will meet some fierce opposition.
Champions Leverkusen have a richly talented squad pulled together by one of the best young managers in the world; and Borussia Dortmund are in the 2024 Champions League final, while Red Bull Leipzig will not slow down their pursuit of league success.
This story will unfold quickly and, here at SBOTOP, we’ll keep on top of the latest news, both in England and Germany.
Watch this space!
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
