Bayern Munich’s decision to sign Vincent Kompany was certainly influenced by his years spent under the tutelage of a certain Josep Guardiola at Manchester City, as the Bavarian club’s good history with the former FC Barcelona coach leaves students of Guardiola with a slightly more appreciated resume. Vincent Kompany recognizes that the comparisons to Guardiola are inevitable and will not stop, but makes sure to point out that he is going to do his own thing.
Speaking at a recent press conference, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, Kompany had this to say: “[Pep Guardiola] is one of the most, if not the most special coach of this generation. People like him always influence others. I know this question will always come back and I have an immense amount of respect for him, but for me the main thing is to speak about my football ideas. I match my ideas with my personality. You learn a lot from the coaches you have had – but also from other experiences. Of course Pep Guardiola had a big influence on me. But it’s important to go your own way.”
Hopefully, the way chosen leads to success for Bayern. And who knows, perhaps Kompany can achieve that European glory Guardiola never quite could while in Munich.