Vincent Kompany’s Championship glory at Burnley remains a high-point in his managerial career – and he was quick to remind one reporter.
The 39-year-old is close to guiding Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title in his first season in charge at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern got over their Champions League heartache from midweek by easing to a 4-0 win away at Heidenheim on Saturday afternoon.
It saw the Bavarian outfit extend their lead over defending champions Bayer Leverkusen to nine points with four matches remaining.
For Kompany, he is edging closer to his second trophy as a manager since swapping the pitch for the dugout in 2020.
Kompany guided Burnley to the Championship title in 2023 where he became the first person in modern football to achieve 100 points as a player [at Manchester City, 2017/18] and then as a boss.
But for one German reporter, it appears that the English second-tier title is not one that deserves to be amongst someone’s accolades.
Speaking to Kompany after Bayern’s latest league win, he said: “It would be the first title for you as a coach, what would that mean?”
It drew an instant puzzled look from Kompany who was quick to correct the interviewer, as he replied with a wry smile: “Come on, it’s not the first.
“It wouldn’t be the first title though. We won the league with Burnley for 101 points.”
After the reporter looked to downplay the honour, Kompany then interjected to say: “It’s a title, it’s a big title, it was very important.
“It wouldn’t be the first one, nor as a coach or as a player.
“But the job still has to be done so I don’t want to speculate too much.
“And I get your point, but my experience is just that in these moments you stay calm and you focus on your game.”
Attention for Kompany will now turn towards Bayern’s encounter with Mainz next weekend.
By the time they take to the field, they could be just six points clear at the top should Leverkusen prevail away at St Pauli on Sunday evening.
Should that be the case, Bayern would need just two victories from their last four fixtures to scoop a record-extending 33rd Bundesliga crown.
But with away clashes at RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim on the horizon, Kompany will be keen for his side to remain fully focused on the task at hand.
