That’s Why Kompany Is Now More Powerful Than Guardiola at Bayern | OneFootball

Vincent Kompany has established an exceptionally strong position at FC Bayern within a year. The Belgian is said to now have more influence internally than Pep Guardiola once did—and is involved in nearly all major decisions.

Vincent Kompany apparently enjoys an exceptionally high standing at FC Bayern. As reported by Sport BILD, the Belgian has long been much more than just the head coach. According to the report, the 40-year-old is closely involved in all decision-making processes regarding key issues such as transfers, roster planning, and the team’s sporting direction. His opinion now carries enormous weight within the club’s leadership.

The reason for this lies not only in the team’s sporting success. Kompany is said to have placed great importance from the very beginning on getting to know the club down to the last detail. According to the report, he regularly seeks out discussions with club officials at Säbener Straße to exchange views on developments at the club and gain insight into the background of these matters. This interest, along with his open manner, is said to have earned him a great deal of internal recognition.

Added to this are his two successful years in Munich. After winning the double last season, the coach’s influence is said to have grown significantly once again. According to Sport BILD, hardly any important sporting decision is made these days without Kompany being consulted first. His assessments and wishes are held in high regard within the club.

More influence than Guardiola

Particularly noteworthy is the comparison with Pep Guardiola. While the Spaniard did not have every wish granted during his time at FC Bayern—for example, regarding the transfer of Neymar or, later, the sale of Toni Kroos against his express wishes—Kompany is said to currently enjoy significantly greater support. For example, the signings of Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari were made largely at his request.

Photo: IMAGO

Kompany is also said to differ from some of his predecessors in his dealings with club officials. Instead of insisting uncompromisingly on certain demands, the Belgian is regarded internally as willing to engage in dialogue and open to other perspectives. For example, last summer he set aside his desire to sign Xavi Simons after Uli Hoeneß advised him to rely more heavily on the club’s own youth players. Instead, as many as eleven youth players made their professional debuts last season.

Bayern President Herbert Hainer is particularly impressed by the coach’s personality. He told Sport BILD: “What I especially like is that Vincent takes an interest in what’s happening at the club. He seeks dialogue—he’s the kind of person who makes it easy to like him.” According to the report, it is precisely this combination of professional expertise, openness, and successful collaboration that has led Kompany to currently hold a position of power at FC Bayern unlike that of any other coach in Munich in recent memory.