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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.
Manchester United youth player James Overy praised for wholesome moment with young fan
Danny Jones
Manchester United academy player James Overy is receiving heaps of praise online after a video of a heartwarming interaction between him and a young fan went viral on social media.
The Australian-born youngster joined the club and the Carrington set-up back in the summer of 2024, and has flown somewhat under the radar to plenty of supporters, quietly going about his business and continuing his progression.
However, it’s fair to say he’s had a good month or so, as not only did he provide a crucial assist in the under-18s FA Youth Cup semis against Crystal Palace roughly a fortnight ago – with two goals proving enough to book their spot in a Manchester derby final – but now he’s being hailed off the pitch, too.
Taking the time to not just say hello and chat with the young girl after the game, but go so far in engaging with her as to gift her a pair of his boots, it wasn’t just a lovely gesture, but one that will probably stay with the wide-eyed child forever.
Love this stuff…..2 mins of his time to give that little girl a memory for a lifetime ❤️
Not the point, obviously, but there’s something very charming about him repeatedly asking, “Is that alright?” and double-checking if she’s happy with the colour.
He might not be a born and bred Manc but there’s still something very British about it.
The Aussie, only 18 years old himself, has quickly been applauded for what looked to be some very mature and admirable behaviour: spending time with Reds long after the full-time whistle and showing his own appreciation for their support.
Reactions are as you would expect: “What a lad!”, “What it’s [all] about, inspiring the younger generation. Top man”; “What a legend, hope he’s got a good career ahead of him”, and so on.
Others also noted his ‘humility’ at such a young age, with one person going on to add that “a lot of professional players could learn a lot from that young man.”
Here he is talking about his senior debut against West Ham United when he was just a boy.
Prior to a memorable night of his own in the important win at Old Trafford, Overy received his first national team call-up back in November, but is also eligible for Scotland, having already represented both at various youth levels.
He’s also worn the captain’s armband for the U18s and is one of several prospects that United fans who follow all the age groups are keeping an eye on.
Others in that same squad include the Fletcher twins (sons of former player turned coach, Darren), Chido Obi, and the increasingly promising JJ Gabriel, who is still just 15 himself.
If they all follow the example set by James on how to conduct themselves as professionals, as he did with young Imogen, they won’t go far wrong.
Highlights from Man United’s semi-final victory over Palace in the 2025/26 FA Youth Cup
Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades
Danny Jones
In a huge bit of regional sporting news, Manchester Storm have announced they will be coming home to the AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades away from the iconic venue.
Massive news for Manc ice hockey followers and local sports fans in general.
Revealing the long-awaited return after 24 long years away from the place where Manchester’s native hockey team first began its story, the team, AO figures, and even some fans were part of a special announcement event inside the 20,000-seater stadium this week.
Confirming the news on Monday, 27 April, MCR Storm will be back playing at the AO Arena later this year – just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) April 27, 2026
As detailed in a full press release from the Greater Manchester club, they are seemingly marking a milestone moment in their next chapter by going back to their roots.
It goes on to read: “Founded back in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena, the original Manchester Storm quickly became one of British ice hockey’s most iconic teams.
“In their inaugural season, the Storm secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.”
Coming somewhat full circle more than a generation later (Storm having made it to the play-off finals of the modern Elite Ice Hockey League era this April for the first time in their history), they have made one-off returns to the storied space in recent times.
However, many supporters have been waiting for a fully fledged return for some time now; equally, others are understandably sad to pay a bittersweet goodbye to the ‘Storm Shelter’ over in Altrincham, with the building having already pulled licensing for next year.
They have been at the Planet Ice rink for over a decade now, and the company itself have even issued a lengthy response following the departure – namely noting the issue of communication, clarity and fair notice. Nevertheless, for the vast majority, this felt like a long-overdue comeback.
With an ex-player turned head coach and all-round club legend, Cam Critchlow, having also signed on for another campaign behind the bench, it’s been a busy week in and around the organisation.
Representing the Manchester Storm ownership group, former coach Ryan Finnerty and partner Emma said in a joint statement: “This is a major milestone for our partnership group and a vision we’ve worked towards for some time.
Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience.
“Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear — not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond. This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home.
“Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League”. The EIHL themselves have also celebrated the news, adding that they feel it reflects “the scale and ambition of the league”.
Are you happy to see them setting up shop at the AO Arena once again? Better still, do you remember going there to watch games the first time around? Let us know down in the comments.
Danny Jones -
30th May 2024 
