Bayern Munich’s Honorary President, Uli Hoeneß, has shed light on the high-level consultations that preceded the club’s decision to hire Vincent Kompany. The Belgian tactician transitioned to the Bavarian giants in 2024 following his departure from Burnley, a move that initially raised eyebrows across the footballing world due to his relatively limited resume at the helm of Europe’s elite clubs.
However, the 39-year-old has emphatically silenced his detractors. Since arriving at the Allianz Arena, Kompany has orchestrated a remarkable period of success, successfully leading the side to a Bundesliga title last season. The club’s trajectory remains upward as they prepare for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid scheduled for April.
Hoeneß revealed that the club sought the counsel of former manager and current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola before finalizing the deal. According to the honorary president, Guardiola’s endorsement was the deciding factor that gave the board the confidence to offer Kompany an unusually long-term commitment, signaling a new era of stability for the German giants.
“When we called Pep Guardiola before signing Vincent and asked what he thought of him,” Hoeneß told Kicker.
“He said we could take Kompany blindly. His contract is until 2029, that is, five years… an eternity in today’s football. That was an incredible show of faith.
“We wanted to express that we are completely convinced of his work.”