Kompany Credits Guardiola for Inspiring His Coaching Career

FC Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has paid tribute to his former coach Pep Guardiola, saying the Manchester City boss played a major role in inspiring him to become a manager.

Speaking in Berlin ahead of Bayern’s German Cup final clash against VfB Stuttgart, Kompany described his years under Guardiola at Manchester City F.C. as a priceless learning experience.

The Belgian, who captained City during Guardiola’s early years at the club, said the Spanish tactician gave him the confidence and belief that he could one day succeed in management.

Kompany admitted they were not always especially close personally, but said he deeply admired Guardiola’s leadership style and mentality.

According to him, Guardiola’s greatest quality was not only his tactical brilliance but his relentless determination to win every competition possible. Kompany argued that many people misunderstand the former Barcelona and Bayern coach by focusing too heavily on tactics instead of his mentality and drive.

Guardiola enjoyed enormous success during his decade at Manchester City, winning six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and several domestic trophies.

As City captain, Kompany helped the club secure consecutive Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019 under Guardiola’s leadership.

Since taking charge of Bayern Munich in 2024, Kompany has continued his own rise in management, guiding the German giants to back-to-back Bundesliga titles. He now has the opportunity to add another trophy to his growing coaching résumé in Saturday’s German Cup final.

Reflecting on his journey, Kompany said the years spent working under Guardiola sparked his ambition to pursue coaching and shaped the winning mentality he carries today.