In a fascinating twist of fate, a glimmer of hope has unexpectedly taken form for a coach who navigated a team to a dismal conclusion in the Premier League, ending up with a paltry 24 points and a mere five victories to be relegated from the top flight.
Multiple media outlets have reported that Bayern Munich, the German juggernauts, appear to be nearing the end of their protracted search for a new coach, with their search ending at none other than Vincent Kompany from Burnley to take over from outgoing Thomas Tuchel.
It has been an immensely frustrating period for Bayern in their quest to find a suitable successor for the departed Thomas Tuchel, who bid farewell after a trophy-less season. Although the former PSG and Chelsea gaffer’s departure had been agreed upon since February, the club’s desperation in failing to find a suitable candidate to replace him led them to make futile attempts at persuading him to reconsider but Tuchel stuck resolutely to the original plan. This has led Bayern to swiftly shift their focus to Kompany, identifying him as the prime candidate to fill the huge void in their coaching ranks.
Kompany’s tenure at Burnley has been largely a creditable one, having successfully led the team back into the Premier League at the first attempt. However, his image has been tarnished to some extent, despite lofty pre-season expectations, with the subsequent relegation of his team.
Although eyebrows will be raised at the prospect of Kompany securing such a significant coaching position in the Bundesliga, the prevailing sentiment is that the 38-year-old’s progressive style of play could harmonize well with a definitively more well-rounded and accomplished team like the Bundesliga powerhouse.
It’s the understanding that talks between Burnley’s owner, Alan Pace, and Bayern officials regarding compensation for Kompany took place on Wednesday, with the hope that a deal can be finalized by the end of this week.
Managerial speculation has shrouded Bayern over the past three months with various names having been linked with the coaching role at the club. Xabi Alonso, after an unbeaten league season at Bayer Leverkusen, emerged as an apparent candidate, but ultimately decided to remain at Leverkusen, declining Bayern’s advances.
Inquiries had also been made about Erik ten Hag, but the Duthman remains committed to his current post at Old Trafford. Another name on was Julen Lopetegui was another blip on Bayern’s radar, but finally took up the gaffer’s post at West Ham. Ralf Rangnick was another one who had also engaged in discussions with Bayern, but in the end, he opted to maintain his role with the Austrian national team.