Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Vincent Kompany: Bayern Munich appoint Belgian as head coach after leaving Burnley – BBC Sport

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Image caption, Bayern Munich will be Vincent Kompany’s third managerial position after spells at Anderlecht and Burnley

Bayern Munich have appointed Vincent Kompany as their new head coach on a three-year deal.

The Belgian, 38, succeeds Thomas Tuchel and leaves Burnley for the Bundesliga side after the two clubs agreed a compensation fee, believed to be £10.2m.

“It’s a great honour to be able to work for this club – FC Bayern is an institution in international football,” said the former Manchester City defender.

However, he refused to answer questions about his future after the Clarets’ home defeat by Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season.

Burnley said they were initially confident of keeping Kompany at Turf Moor but “the changing dynamics of the situation” made it impossible.

“We understand the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich and respect Vincent’s ambition to explore new opportunities,” the club said.

There has been no announcement about whether Kompany’s backroom team, including assistant manager Craig Bellamy, will join him in Germany.

Video caption, Bayern Munich: Raphael Honigstein on Vincent Kompany

Bayern have struggled to find a replacement for Tuchel, whose initial exit was announced in February.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and current Austria coach Ralf Rangnick have all turned down the job.

Talks about persuading Tuchel to stay also failed to reach a positive conclusion, leaving Bayern with a problem.

“Vincent Kompany is a type of coach who fits in very well with FC Bayern’s playing philosophy and identity,” said Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund

“He is a young, very ambitious coach who brings a lot of international experience, has his finger on the pulse of the players and knows exactly what should happen on the pitch.”

Kompany has built a decent reputation in his time at Anderlecht and Burnley, although the Clarets’ relegation following lofty pre-season expectations has not reflected well on the Belgian.

A four-time Premier League winner as a player with Manchester City, Kompany became Anderlecht head coach in 2020 following a spell as player-manager, before moving to Turf Moor.

BBC Sport understands former Chelsea and Everton coach Frank Lampard would be interested in succeeding Kompany.

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