Bayern Munich’s Vincent Kompany sends message of support to Pep Guardiola and Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City will be supported by their legendary former captain and now Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany in this season’s Premier League title race.

Despite now being in charge of one of Europe’s biggest clubs in Bayern Munich, Kompany continues to keep a close eye on events at Manchester City – where his influence as captain helped shape Pep Guardiola’s early years in English football.

Kompany has often spoken of his admiration for the Catalan tactician, crediting Pep Guardiola with transforming his understanding of the game – both as a player and as an aspiring manager with RSC Anderlecht, Burnley, and now Bayern Munich.

The pair forged a strong professional relationship during Guardiola’s first few seasons at the Etihad Stadium, a period that laid the groundwork for City’s dominance. Kompany’s leadership on the pitch was particularly instrumental in implementing Guardiola’s system, while the coach in turn gave the Belgian the platform to evolve tactically and transition into coaching.

Now at Bayern Munich, Kompany is going from strength to strength off the back of his Bundesliga title-winning campaign at the first time of asking. And his enduring respect and affection for City – and his former manager – remain clear.

Speaking during a recent press conference, the Bayern Munich boss was quizzed on Pep Guardiola and whether he still retains contact with his former head coach from his playing days at Manchester City.

“I said many times that Pep played a very important role in my career as a player and my development as a coach. We didn’t speak too much since the summer,” admitted Kompany.

He continued, “He’s really busy trying to get back to the top of the Premier League. But we’ve always been regularly in contact so at some point we’ll get back in touch.

“I obviously still follow Man City and want them to win the league and be successful.”

Vincent Kompany’s comments arrive at a time when Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are once again embroiled in a title race, with their manager closing in on his 1,000th career match in management – a milestone that has seen him inducted into the League Managers’ Association’s 1000 Club after this weekend’s clash with Liverpool.

The pair’s connection is symbolic of City’s evolving identity. Kompany, now a high-profile coach, represents the next wave of Guardiola’s managerial influence – much like Mikel Arteta at Arsenal or Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.

Looking ahead, there is growing intrigue about whether Guardiola and Kompany could one day reunite in the Premier League – either in competition or collaboration. Guardiola’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, and while speculation over his long-term future has lingered, Kompany has often been tipped as a potential successor down the line.

For now, Vincent Kompany’s focus remains firmly on Bayern Munich’s ambitions in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League, but his latest remarks underline the deep mutual respect that continues to link him to Manchester City.