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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Bayern Munich turn to Vincent Kompany as new manager after eight rejections

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany has emerged as the surprise frontrunner to land the Bayern Munich job.

The German club have been searching for a new manager ever since Thomas Tuchel confirmed in February he was leaving this summer.

Bayern have suffered multiple rejections from the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick, Roger Schmidt and Xabi Alonso.

An approach for Oliver Glasner was also rejected by Crystal Palace, while both Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery informed them they wanted to work in the Premier League.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Bayern’s struggles led to them trying to persuade Tuchel to stay, but he rejected them and is keen to secure a job in England.

The situation has led to Kompany becoming the shock favourite to takeover at Bayern, despite being relegated with Burnley this season.

The Belgian is admired for his style of football, having played under Pep Guardiola, and he is also fluent in German.

Kompany is under contract with Burnley until 2028 and a move away from the club would require compensation to be paid.

Burnley are reluctant to lose the former defender, who secured them promotion to the Premier League in the 2022-23 season, but will not stand in his way.

Hiring Kompany would be a major risk given the 38-year-old is still only just starting his coaching career.

Hiring Kompany would be a major risk for Bayern given the 38-year-old is still only just starting his coaching career.

The former Manchester City captain began working with Anderlecht in 2019, before taking over at Burnley in 2022.

He took the Clarets up to the Premier League with an attractive style of play, but they were relegated this season.

Kompany is thought to be keen on taking his backroom staff with him to Bayern, which includes former Wales forward Craig Bellamy.

Bayern are hoping to push ahead with striking a deal this week and Burnley minority shareholder JJ Watt hinted talks were underway.

Posting on X on Wednesday, he wrote: “People often ask if European football ownership helps fill the adrenaline void from playing...There are definitely days.”

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