Bayern extend Kompany’s contract at just the right moment | OneFootball

FC Bayern extends the contract with coach Vincent Kompany until 2029. This news initially came as a surprise – but the Bayern executives acted at exactly the right time. And they send a signal of strength. A commentary.

There is no need for a lengthy discussion about whether Vincent Kompany has earned and deserved the contract extension at FC Bayern as a sign of trust.

The coach quickly fulfilled the most important task likely set for him by the management when he took office: Following the separation from predecessor Thomas Tuchel, the mood was probably at a low – especially among large parts of the team. In his first season, Kompany managed to turn the mood around. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed this during the contract signing: “Vincent Kompany has brought the fun back to FC Bayern,” he explained.

Moreover, after the first games of Kompany's second season at Bayern, a sporting development is clearly noticeable. Compared to the last season, the team has improved even more. The processes are in place, especially in defensive work, a significant step forward has been made.

Kompany has proven that he can handle the Bayern task. Even despite a lack of prior experience as a coach at the absolute top level. Since he only came from the English second division club Burnley, there was concern that the step to the German record champion might be too big for the now 39-year-old. But not only in sports, but also with his demeanor off the pitch and in dealing with the media, Kompany has proven that the challenge of FC Bayern is by no means too big for him.

Kompany surely in the focus of Manchester City

The extension with Kompany comes without any prior rumors and just the day before a Champions League match – but still at exactly the right time!

With his work at Bayern so far, Kompany has proven that he can coach a top European club. This also makes him interesting for other top clubs. And especially at Manchester City, his former club, where he even led as captain.

The situation at the Citizens is special: Star coach Pep Guardiola still has a contract in Northern England until 2027 and has already announced that he will leave the club afterward. Kompany would be the ideal successor for Guardiola as a Pep student and due to his successes at Bayern. The former Bayern coach had already publicly stated that he trusts Kompany to take on the role as his successor.

Photo: IMAGO

Before Kompany's extension, the Belgian's contract in Munich would have expired in the summer of 2027, just like Guardiola's in Manchester. He could have left the German record champion for Manchester without a transfer fee.

One thing is certain: ManCity will already be actively searching for a Guardiola successor, as the Sheikh club does not leave such an important personnel matter to chance. Kompany was surely on the list of potential candidates. Probably even very high up. Perhaps they have already reached out to the former captain.

FC Bayern sends a signal of strength

All these speculations have been ended by the Bayern executives with the new contract for Kompany. This is a signal of strength.

They couldn’t have afforded to wait much longer. If Kompany had entered his last contract year without a new agreement, the conditions would have radically changed. The coach would have had the opportunity to leave FCB without a transfer fee. The executives have shown good timing for the deal. This timing had often been missed with players recently – see Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, or Leroy Sané. Then they had to pay dearly for the long wait or accept a departure without compensation.

Nowadays, top coaches are as sought after in the transfer market as players and can also become quite expensive. This is shown, for example, by the high fees Bayern themselves paid for Julian Nagelsmann and also Kompany. If Manchester City still wants Kompany as Guardiola's successor despite the extension, it would at least become very, very expensive.

But that is not something they are thinking about on Säbener Straße right now. Vincent Kompany is meant to shape an era at FC Bayern.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.