“We could take him blindly” – Uli Hoeneß reveals Pep Guardiola role in Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich appointment | OneFootball

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß has revealed that Pep Guardiola played a decisive role in Vincent Kompany’s managerial appointment.

Kompany has enjoyed a remarkable rise as a manager since leaving Manchester City as a player in 2019, cutting his teeth at Anderlecht before earning widespread plaudits for his work at Burnley – guiding the Clarets to the Championship title in 2023 before departing for Bayern Munich in the summer of the same year.

The Belgian’s appointment at the Allianz Arena raised eyebrows at the time given his relative inexperience at the highest level, but it is now clear that a glowing personal endorsement from one of the most respected managers in the history of the game helped seal the deal.

Hoeneß: Guardiola told us to take Kompany ‘blindly’

Speaking on the decision to bring Kompany to Bavaria, Hoeneß was unequivocal in crediting Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s personal recommendation as a pivotal factor in the appointment.

“We called Pep Guardiola and asked what he thought of him,” Hoeneß said, as quoted by Kicker and relayed by iMiaSanMia on X. “He (Guardiola) said we could take him (Kompany) blindly.”

It is a remarkable endorsement and one that speaks volumes about the esteem in which Guardiola holds his former captain, under whom he won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his time in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

What is the wider context for Manchester City?

Guardiola’s comments to Bayern will not go unnoticed among City supporters, particularly given the persistent speculation that the 55-year-old is on the verge of leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer – a year ahead of his current contract’s expiry in 2027.

Kompany has consistently been cited as one of the names on Hugo Viana’s contingency shortlist should Guardiola depart, with the City legend’s understanding of the club’s culture, identity and playing philosophy making him an appealing candidate in the eyes of many fans and observers.

Whether Guardiola’s seal of approval at Bayern makes Kompany’s potential return to Manchester more or less likely is a matter of debate – but what is beyond question is that the Catalan’s faith in his former skipper remains as strong as ever.