With his time at Manchester City coming to an end, Pep Guardiola is fielding questions about his successor. According to him, current Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany is perfect for the role, but unlikely to leave FC Bayern in the near future.
“I congratulate of course Vinny and Bayern Munich,” said Pep, when asked about Kompany’s incredible rise this season (via @iMiaSanMia). “They show high, high quality football and entertaining football with a lot of goals and actions.”
Being a former coach
of Bayern Munich himself, Pep knows how big the achievement is. “I know the people are so happy in Munich,” he said. “They won the Bundesliga again. Just a huge congratulations for the whole organization of Bayern. And now ready for the Champions League semi-finals. So I wish him of course all the best.”
As for whether Kompany could take charge of Man City one day, Kompany’s former coach was unequivocal.
“I said that a long time ago when we were against Burnley, in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup. We played at home, and I saw the games, I said that guy will be the manager sooner or later.”
However, he tempered fan expectations of a quick turnaround. Kompany is not leaving FC Bayern any time soon, and even Pep knows it. The Belgian only recently extended his contract with the club, which is set to make him Bayern’s longest tenured coach since Pep himself.
“But he’s still so young,” Pep said. “Still has just had two years in Munich, so he’ll still be there. But sooner or later I have the feeling, just in case he decides in a certain moment, he decides and Bayern decides, to come back to England. I’m pretty sure Manchester will be in his heart and will be in his mind, and hopefully the path will cross at a certain point in his life.”
Fans of Manchester City have been watching Kompany all season long, praying that he will one day take over at their club. That day may yet come, but not soon. Vincent Kompany has business to attend to, and Bayern Munich need him to finish what he started.
