Bayern chief reveals Pep Guardiola’s influence on Vincent Kompany selection as next manager
The former Manchester City captain looks set to take over at the Allianz Arena.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed Pep Guardiola encouraged Bayern Munich to appoint Vincent Kompany as Bayern Munich manager.
The ex-Manchester City captain is set to swap Burnley for Bavaria and replace Thomas Tuchel as the new Bayern boss, with the news expected to confirmed imminently. The German giants settled on Kompany after several high-profile names were linked with the role, including Xabi Alonso, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag and Julian Nagelsmann, while Tuchel came close to staying in the position months after it was confirmed he would depart.
Kompany’s appointment is something of a surprise given his lack of experience as a manager at a top European club, especially considering Burnley were relegated under his watch this season. But it appears the opinion of Guardiola, the former Bayern manager, was hugely influential in the 38-year-old landing the role.
“Our sporting director has chosen Kompany, it is not yet official but there are only the last details to be sorted out,” Rummenigge, Bayern’s former CEO, revealed to Sky Sports. “I am convinced that Kompany will arrive in the end.
“Guardiola spoke to us in a very positive way about Vincent. He had him at City as captain and Pep also followed him when he was at Burnley, so he gave us a good hand."
The City manager last week claimed it ‘doesn’t matter’ that Kompany oversaw Burnley’s relegation, and hopes his former centre-back succeeds at the Allianz "I'm happy the link has happened for Bayern to Vinny," said Guardiola ahead of the FA Cup final. "I have a huge opinion about Vinny, doesn't matter the relegation with Burnley.
“What I felt playing against him and knowing him, I have the highest opinion of his work, personality, his knowledge of the game, how he handles the media.
“I'd love Bayern to take the best decision. I love that club. I'm in love with Bayern Munich for many many reasons. Hopefully take the best decision. If they believe Vinny is the right decision, for Munich they will have a guy to support unconditionally.”