Vincent Kompany: A Future Successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City?

In the near future, Manchester City will need to appoint a new coach to succeed Pep Guardiola. While the timing remains uncertain—be it next year, the following year, or even three years down the line—Bayern Munich’s Vincent Kompany has emerged as a leading candidate.

As Bayern takes on Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates, a compelling narrative unfolds. The two coaches with the most credible credentials to replace Guardiola—Kompany and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta—will face each other in this pivotal match. Although Arteta served as Pep’s assistant for three years before taking the helm at Arsenal in 2019, he has cultivated his own project at the Emirates and appears unlikely to leave for City.

I have known Kompany—whom I will refer to as Vinny—for nearly 20 years, dating back to our introduction through a mutual friend while he was playing for Hamburg in 2008. I genuinely believe he is a viable successor to Pep at City.

Timing is crucial in football; many potential successors to Pep have faltered over the years. It’s important to consider that Vinny is currently managing a prestigious club like Bayern. If you’re a footballer at any renowned club, such as Liverpool or Manchester United, the only club that might entice you to leave is likely Real Madrid. For Vinny, I believe Manchester City represents that equivalent.

In my view, he would be an ideal candidate to replace Pep in the future. Following a figure as significant as Guardiola requires a strong personality, and Vinny possesses that in abundance. He also has the requisite political acumen to manage relationships at all levels, combined with a deep-rooted connection and affection for the club, established during his 11 years as a player at the Etihad, where he won 12 trophies, including four Premier League titles.

It is also important to highlight Vinny’s personality and attributes prior to discussing his football philosophy. When I first met him, he played as a No. 10 for Hamburg alongside Rafael van der Vaart. He was seen as a wonderkid, having made an impact in video games like Championship Manager, yet he also exuded a laid-back charm that made an impression on those around him.

Shortly thereafter, he joined me at City, just weeks before Sheikh Mansour’s takeover transformed the club from what was dubbed ‘Joke City’ into one of the world’s most formidable football institutions.

At just 22, Vinny’s leadership qualities were immediately evident. He commanded respect, effortlessly communicating in English, French, German, and Spanish, effectively bridging any divides among teammates.

He is one of those rare individuals who excels in multiple pursuits, yet he also emphasizes the importance of hard work alongside inherent talent. An academic, he completed a business degree at the University of Manchester in 2017 while serving as City captain, all while being an exceptionally gifted footballer.

However, Vinny’s demeanor is multifaceted; he can be both affable and assertive. I witnessed his fiery side during a preseason match against Inter Milan in Baltimore in 2010. Frustrated by our team’s performance, he channeled his anger towards Inter’s Samuel Eto’o, who was one of the best players globally at the time. Vinny was willing to accept defeat but could not tolerate a lack of effort from his opponents.

As a teammate, that intensity and determination raised the standards for all. Vinny led by example, embodying the fierce competitive spirit that defines great teams and players. As captain at City, he naturally transitioned those qualities into his managerial role, motivating players effectively.

At Burnley, he encouraged a more aggressive pressing style, skillfully communicating his tactics in a way that made individual players feel uniquely addressed. For instance, he persuaded a striker, who aimed for a modest goal tally, to press higher up the pitch, ultimately enhancing his scoring opportunities.

Now at Bayern, Vinny understands that his team will dominate most Bundesliga matches. He strategically tailors his tactical approaches against various opponent strategies, successfully employing players like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala in innovative roles.

His recent experience against Paris Saint-Germain, where Bayern triumphed with ten men for a half, displays his resilience and adaptability. Such grit is crucial for achieving success throughout the season.

Kompany faces constant pressure at Bayern, expected to secure league titles and contend for European honors. Many doubted his qualifications following his relegation with Burnley, yet he has silenced critics and earned a new contract.

As he excels at Bayern, the prospect of him potentially succeeding Guardiola at City seems more plausible, especially compared to what it would have been if Pep had stepped down at the end of the 2023-24 season. His style of play, which emphasizes quick ball movement and positioning, aligns seamlessly with the City squad.

If Vinny were to return as City’s coach, he would not attempt to replicate Pep’s methods, an important consideration. While he might feel apprehensive about the challenge, his strength of character and conviction in his beliefs would empower him to face it head-on. Ultimately, timing is everything, and leaving Bayern would be a significant decision.

Nonetheless, Vinny aspires to challenge himself at a top Premier League club, and few are better suited to him than Manchester City.