Vincent Kompany is leading a record-breaking Bayern Munich side, capturing the attention of the footballing world. What looked like a huge gamble on a coach whose last job was relegation from the Premier
League had the biggest payout (for those who like the bookies) in terms of sporting success. Little did everyone know that someone else tried to sign Kompany before Bayern and Burnley: Schalke 04 in 2022.
“When he was at Anderlecht and we were looking for a coach at Schalke for the Bundesliga, I was simply tempted to talk to such a great player,” then Schalke director Rouven Schröder revealed (Sky90 via Get German Football News). “He was also the Manchester City captain. That was one of the best conversations you can have with a coach. A young, up-and-coming coach. The door opens; he’s huge and superbly prepared. When you meet him, you notice: He has an incredible authority, a lightness. He is authentic.” Full emphasis on that last part because it’s on full display at Bayern right now.
Schröder further told the interviewer that “VK” had a lot of documents to help him present his plans for the club. While the former was hopeful of signing the latter, the move ultimately failed to materialize due to the financial constraints brought about by Kompany’s large backroom staff. Die Königsblauen weren’t the only ones who took note of Kompany, however, as Gladbach and Hertha Berlin joined Schalke that summer trying to get the Belgian. The former Hamburg defender eventually ended up with Burnley, and then Bayern two years later where he’s staying for the foreseeable future.
