Vincent Kompany, the newly appointed coach of FC Bayern München, has ignited excitement for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, promising a “special” and “unique” tournament experience in the United States.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Kompany outlined his relentless winning mentality and his vision for the Bavarian giants as they prepare to compete against the world’s best.
Bayern, drawn into Group C alongside CA Boca Juniors, SL Benfica, and Auckland City FC, are among the favorites for the expanded 32-team tournament, set to take place from June 14th to July 13th.
Kompany, a decorated former player known for his leadership and trophy-laden career at Manchester City, brings a wealth of experience and a clear message to his squad: “Be hungry or go somewhere else.”
“I think the closer we get to the tournament, the more you can see the excitement growing,” Kompany stated. “We’re part of a club here where every trophy is important, so by the time we get to America, it will be a priority.”
Kompany emphasized the unique atmosphere expected at the Club World Cup, anticipating a blend of Bayern’s global fanbase with supporters from across the participating continents.
“I know we have a global fanbase, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see fans coming from Munich and Germany and mixing with the fans we have internationally. That will be quite special to see,” he said.
“We will also be playing against teams from different continents that have huge fan bases. For sure, it’s unique. It will be something that we’ve never seen before.”
The highly anticipated clash between Bayern and Boca Juniors in Miami is expected to be a highlight of the group stage.
Kompany described the match as “exciting,” anticipating a showcase of “some of the best fanbases in the world – ours and theirs – and some of the most traditionally successful clubs in the world come up against each other.”
Kompany’s transition from elite player to top-level coach has been seamless, leveraging his recent experience in dressing rooms similar to Bayern’s.
“I can identify a lot with the players I see here,” he explained. “I know what motivates them. I understand what their ambitions are, what their simple concerns are.”
His demanding philosophy, honed during his formative years at Anderlecht and solidified at Manchester City, is now being instilled at Bayern.
“I’ve always been involved in football in high demanding places,” Kompany said. “To then become the coach of Bayern, it was actually something very familiar for me. I didn’t enter an environment I didn’t understand, I entered an environment I grew up in.”
Addressing the challenge of motivating a squad accustomed to success, Kompany’s answer was direct: “Be hungry or go somewhere else. It’s very simple.”
He also highlighted the importance of nurturing young talents like Aleksandar Pavlovic and Jamal Musiala, who he believes will shape the club’s future.
“Every great club has not just got guys who are performing now, but long-term ideas,” he said. “You must have succession [plans] and have the next players who are going to carry the identity and DNA of the club.”
Adding to his hands-on approach, Kompany revealed he occasionally joins first-team training sessions, demonstrating his fitness and connecting with the players in a unique way.
“From all the staff members, I think I’m still the fittest and the best option to add to the training session whenever we lack an extra player,” he said. “So, it keeps me a little bit fit as well and, at the same time, it’s always nice to connect with the players in a different way.”
