Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany has been officially unveiled as the new Bayern Munich manager and has now given his first interview and press conference in the job.
The former Belgian footballer and Premier League veteran spent 11 seasons at Man City, eight of them as captain, before going on to become player-manager at Anderlecht and then the Burnley boss since 2022.
Having won the EFL Championship in his first season with the club, Kompany has been touted by many as one of the most promising individuals among the next generation of coaches. However, the appointment has left many slightly puzzled and wondering whether he’s skipped ahead too many steps.
Nevertheless, the German giants pulled the trigger on acquiring the 38-year-old’s services, giving him a three-year contract, and now the ex-Man City stalwart has opened up on what he hopes to bring to the massive role, with Munich having won a record 32 Bundesliga titles.
"I want my players to be brave on the ball" 🔊
New Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany on what he expects from his players on the pitch 👔🔴 pic.twitter.com/znA5oZo9li
“It’s a privilege and an honour”, he said in a sit down with his new employers. “I’m excited, so my feeling and my energy is really positive. I’m really looking forward to working with the players, the staff, and hopefully [I can] give everything that the fans love to see about this club.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Explaining his brand of football and its roots in his upbringing on the streets of Brussels, he said: “We love the ball; we’re creative – I like players who are brave on the ball but also I was always a very aggressive player, so I like the team to be aggressive. That’s what suits my personality”.
He went on to describe the club as “an institution” and that he’s simply looking forward to working with people and building a team, insisting that after that “the rest will follow”. He also said in his first press conference that he will soon assess those “hungry” enough to represent such an iconic shirt.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kompany failed to steer Burnley away from relegation in his debut Premier League season, leading many to question why Bayern were so quick to give him the top job given that he’s still relatively unproven, especially at the top level.
Sky Germany’s Felix Fischer, for instance, was quick to state that no matter how much optimism there is around him potential, “you have to win titles” if you want to stay in post at a club like Bayern Munich, though there will likely be some added patience with the young coach.
On the other hand, the likes of former manager Pep Guardiola have spoken highly of Kompany’s prospect, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Bayern spoke with the Blues boss before the appointment and labelled him a “talented coach, a smart guy” and an “ideal candidate for the job.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The club sacked Champions League winner and former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel after he failed to win the title last season, falling short of Xabi Alonso’s ‘invincible’ side, and are said to have paid Burnley a fee of £10.2 million in compensation to bring him in, so they clearly have faith in his future.
A highly-admired centre-back before he became a coach, Kompany insisted he had “a lot of interest” from different clubs” and that wasn’t in the least bit surprised by such a significant offer so early in his career, adding: “I live my job so intensively that I don’t have much time for that. At top clubs like Bayern, you have to stand together internally. What the outside world thinks doesn’t matter, I don’t care.”
He certainly looked dominant in the English second tier and perhaps with an already-established elite squad, not to mention much more spending power behind him in the transfer window, we might just get to see why Bayern Munich are so excited about Vincent Kompany.
You can watch his first full press conference HERE.
Fantastic news for Vincent Kompany – he’s now coach of Bayern Munich. I’m so pleased for him.
I watched this excellent piece of coaching (see video)…and thought I’d make a few notes from a psychological perspective.
Stockport County owner invests in second European football club
Danny Jones
The owner of Stockport County Football Club has officially invested in his second European team.
Greater Manchester businessman Mark Stott, who is also the founder of their principal sponsors Vita Group, has owned Stockport County since January 2020, helping oversee their rise back into the EFL and now as promotion contenders in League One.
The local entrepreneur behind the Cheshire-based property developers obviously has other investments in his portfolio, and after news of him backing a second side, Stott has shared an update with County supporters to assure them of his continued commitment to the Hatters.
Penning an open letter to the fans, the 53-year-old began by wishing his dedicated matchgoers a happy new year before going on to clarify his plans for both organisations.
Club Statement: Owner Mark Stott has written an open letter to all County supporters.#StockportCounty
“First and foremost, I want to say how proud I am of Stockport County and of everything we have achieved together”, says Stott. “We begin 2026 competing strongly in League One, with a clear long-term plan for the club and the incredible backing you give week in, week out.
“Our progress on the pitch and the stability we have built off it are the result of a genuine collective effort. I never lose sight of the vital role you all play in that success.
“Since becoming the owner of Stockport County in January 2020, my focus has been on the club and its long-term progress. With that in mind, it’s important to me that I update you on other sporting investments by Stott Capital that you may be aware of.”
Citing his big picture project, the Pro Football Academy, as having now become “the largest football coaching business in Europe”, not to mention the F2 sporting social media platform, Stott Capital has now taken its increasing global presence in the industry by investing in Debreceni VSC (DVSC).
Title contenders in Hungary’s top league, Nemzeti Bajnokság (N1), DVSC are based in the nation’s second largest city – not dissimilar to Greater Manchester after London here in the UK.
Seven-time division champions themselves, they are one of the most established sides in the country.
Moreover, Mark has reiterated that, like his work with County, “Hungary has invested significantly in football infrastructure over the past decade”, also vouching not only for DVSC’s rich history already but a “strong talent pipeline.”
It remains unclear just how big a share they now own, but it is reported to be a majority stakeholding; as for their Stopfordian counterparts, could we see Stockport players being loaned out to Hungary and vice versa, as well as pre-season friendlies between the two? Only time will tell.
He goes on to reiterate that Stott Capital’s relationship with DVSC “does not change our plans for Stockport County“, clarifying that “the two clubs will operate entirely independently, and I remain firmly committed to delivering on our ambitions.”
Now six years into the ownership group’s seven-year plan to transform County and get them back into the Championship (a goal they’ve very nearly reached), Stott added that there will be continued funding into the SCFC infrastructure, youth academy, the Edgeley Park stadium and more.
Promising more details this coming summer, he signed off by adding: “Thank you, as always, for your trust, passion, and incredible support. I’m excited about where we can take Stockport County in the years ahead. Mark.”
Featured Images — Stockport County FC (supplied)/Thaler Tamas (via Wikimedia Commons)
Sport
Salford RLFC finally confirm new head and assistant coaches
Danny Jones
Salford RLFC have finally announced their new head and assistant coach picks as the new rugby league season fast approaches.
The Salfordian phoenix club had already confirmed they’d reached provisional pre-contract agreements with a new boss and several players following the news of the consortium bid that kept the sporting institution alive, but now they officially have a new leadership team to get behind.
Following Salford Red Devils’ resurrection by the aforementioned investment group – though it still remains unclear whether this will eventually include a full rebranding – familiar face Mike Grady and his assistant Dave Hewitt are now in place.
They replace ex-boss Paul Rowley, now at St Helens, and his assistant, Kurt Haggerty, who both left in October and September of last year, respectively.
Sharing the news in an official statement on their new Instagram account amid a major overhaul of their online presence, the local side wrote: “We are proud to announce Mike as the new Head Coach of Salford RLFC, joined by Dave Hewitt as Assistant Coach.
“Mike brings over 12 years of coaching experience across club and international rugby, most recently leading the Salford Women’s team and previously coaching at Widnes.
“His appointment marks another big step forward in our rebuild, combining experience, passion and a deep understanding of what Salford rugby league stands for: hard work, resilience and exciting rugby.
“Joining him, Dave Hewitt, former St Helens and England Academy player, will focus on developing our attacking play and nurturing new talent.”
Hewitt also played for Oldham RLFC across three spells, as well as Rochdale Hornets.
As for the board, they sign off by adding: “Together, Mike and Dave represent the energy and belief driving this new era for Salford RLFC.”
With several ‘key announcements’ soon to be made, we can expect a better idea of what the new and hopefully improved Salford will look like in time for their opener against the Roughyeds in the Championship on Friday, 16 January.
It is worth noting that the club have yet to reveal any actual squad signings.
As for co-owner Caton-Brown, who knows all about the club and the community from his several years playing in the area, we have the pleasure of chatting with him first-hand about the vision for their future.
Danny Jones -
30th May 2024 
