Bayern Munich's Max Eberl discussed the club's evaluation process for head coach Vincent Kompany during their coaching search two years ago. Despite initial chaos, Kompany's impressive coaching achievements at Burnley and Anderlecht ultimately led to his hiring.
MUNICH, GERMANY - JANUARY 23: Vincent Kompany of FC Bayern Munich and Board member sports Max Eberl of FC Bayern Munich during a the press conference on the day before the bundesliga match against FC Augsburg at Säbener Strasse on January 23, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images
Bayern Munich executive Max Eberl shed light on the club’s evaluation of current head coach Vincent Kompany back during the tumultuous coaching search that brought the Belgian to the club two years ago.
Back then, a cloud seemed to hang over the Bayern job. Amid the chaos of the announcement of Thomas Tuchel’s departure well in advance to the churn of candidate rumors and rejections, Kompany’s was one of the last names to emerge. Bayern definitely turned over many other stones before him — but were careful, accurate, and lucky once they got around to evaluating the former Manchester City player in earnest.
“We tried to assess his sporting achievements throughout his coaching career,” Eberl said in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “His time at Burnley and Anderlecht was incredible: promotion with over 100 points, followed by relegation from the Premier League.
“But we recognized how Vinnie shapes his team’s style of play and tried to adapt it to our squad. The way Vinnie combines coaching and personal qualities is extraordinary. He’s always kind, open, and approachable. But he knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it on the pitch. To lead a team and represent a club with this combination of qualities at the age of 40 — that’s truly special.”
Undoubtedly, though, the Bavarians still took a leap of faith given Kompany’s relatively short tenure of lack of top club pedigree at the time. They have been richly rewarded.
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Vincent Kompany had notable success at Burnley and Anderlecht, including achieving promotion with over 100 points.
Bayern Munich assessed Kompany based on his sporting achievements and the successful coaching record he built prior to his hiring.
The club experienced turmoil with the departure of Thomas Tuchel and faced numerous candidate rumors and rejections before ultimately selecting Kompany.
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