Vincent Kompany has dismissed rumors that Bayern Munich did not initially select him, stating that the team did a good job in selecting him.
After a contract was made with relegated Burnley on Wednesday, the former captain of Manchester City and Belgium was officially revealed as Bayern’s unexpected choice to take over as manager, replacing Thomas Tuchel.
Following reports that several prominent contenders, including Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso, and Ralf Rangnick, apparently declined the position, Kompany became an unexpected front-runner for the position last week.
Last season, Kompany guided Burnley to promotion from the Championship; however, his first season as a Premier League manager was a disaster, as the Clarets were promptly demoted.
Even so, the 38-year-old, who previously managed Anderlecht, is confident in his abilities. At a press conference, he told reporters, “I just joined the club but I’m starting to understand a little bit the recruitment process, and I can only say that the fact that I’m here means they’re doing a very good job. That’s it. “I know what a big club Bayern Munich is. I’m very proud but also very motivated to start. The season could start today, right away.” Additionally, he stated that his appointment shouldn’t come as a surprise and disclosed that other clubs had expressed interest in him called, and you assume that it was the only interest I had.
“The only reason you assume that is that I’m very private.” The fact that other teams showed a lot of interest in me was actually pretty fortunate.
After missing out on the Bundesliga crown this year for the first time since 2012, Kompany will be under instant pressure to win the league again and make a run at the Champions League.
The Belgian insists that despite the clear increase in intensity from what he experienced at Turf Moor, he won’t be bothered by it.
“It’s going to be the same answer, maybe ten thousand more times before the season starts,” he stated in response to the topic of pressure.
“I approach it differently than that. It is not included in my life.”