"We were initially skeptical" – Hoeneß reveals Kompany was Bayern's fifth choice | OneFootball

Back in the summer of 2024, Bayern Munich chose Vincent Kompany to replace Thomas Tuchel as head coach.

While the decision has clearly paid off, there was initially some doubt about the former Manchester City defender, who was far from the first coach Bayern approached, as honorary president Uli Hoeneß recalls.

“We were initially skeptical – he was the fourth or fifth coach we spoke to. I’m thinking of Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick, Thomas Tuchel first, and also Oliver Glasner, who would have come if Crystal Palace had released him,” Hoeneß told Kicker.

However, Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl was convinced by Kompany. And after former FC Bayern and current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gave the Belgian coach his blessing, the club arranged a meeting.

“After half an hour, I nudged Max and gave a thumbs-up – I knew: this was the one! I then told Max to make sure he brought overnight essentials; without a contract, he didn’t need to return from the negotiations.”

“An incredible vote of confidence”

After delivering impressive results, Kompany was rewarded with a contract extension until 2029 in October.

“That was an incredible vote of confidence,” Hoeneß said.

The extension not only reflected Bayern’s belief in Kompany, but also sent a clear signal to other clubs linked with him, including Manchester City.

“The primary motivation was our conviction in him; the rest was just a small additional consideration,” Hoeneß explained.

“We wanted to show that we are completely convinced by his work and that he is a coach who can inspire people here for a long time.”