Vincent Kompany cites Pep Guardiola’s massive influence on coaching philosophy

Bayern Munich’s new head coach, Vincent Kompany, has acknowledged that Pep Guardiola’s methods have left a lasting imprint on his own approach to management, even as he insists he is writing his own story in Bavaria.

Speaking to reporters, the Belgian underlined that Guardiola, under whom he captained Manchester City, reshaped his entire outlook on the game. “The best coach I’ve had was of course Pep Guardiola. He opened up my understanding of football,” Kompany said, via the X account @iMiaSanMia. “I’m not trying to do things the same as Pep. Pep is different, he was the best. I took certain things from every coach I worked with.”

Kompany was quick to add that his philosophy is an amalgam of influences, citing former City boss Roberto Mancini and veteran Bundesliga tactician Huub Stevens as other key reference points. “(Roberto) Mancini, Huub Stevens were also good examples — you take things from every coach to write your own story,” he explained.

While Guardiola’s tactical innovations are widely celebrated, Kompany stressed that the core lesson he absorbed was not systemic but psychological. “It’s not really about tactics. It’s about this mentality to always want to win everything, to see every game as an important game, no difference between a game against your main rival and a game against a team from the second division. Having this mentality to always be there.”

Guardiola steered Bayern between 2013 and 2016 before moving to Manchester City, where Kompany skippered the side for several trophy-laden campaigns. Now, with the 38-year-old Belgian occupying the same dugout at the Allianz Arena once patrolled by his former mentor, the Guardiola legacy continues to echo through the club’s corridors, albeit filtered through Kompany’s evolving managerial identity.