Kompany Comments on Riera Ahead of Bundesliga Clash

omidbasir- During his pre-match press conference, Bayern Munich’s head coach, Vincent Kompany, addressed his counterpart, Albert Riera, in anticipation of the upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

When queried about Riera’s managerial approach, Kompany remarked, “He was at Manchester City a year before my arrival. It’s a small world; we all seem to know each other. As a player, he was known for his stamina and crossing ability. However, that was two decades ago—my memory may not serve me well. After his experiences in England and Spain, he bravely took on roles in countries such as Slovenia. I admire that journey; it will undoubtedly benefit him and serve as a strength in the future.”

Riera has garnered most of his managerial experience outside of Europe’s major football nations. He commenced his career as an assistant manager at Galatasaray before moving to Slovenian clubs NK Olimpija and NK Celje, with a brief period at Bordeaux in France in between.

Notably, both Kompany and Riera share a history with Manchester City. Riera was on loan at the club for six months in 2006, two years prior to Kompany’s transfer from Hamburg to the Premier League side.

The two have previously faced each other on the pitch during the 2008/09 season, where Liverpool was in contention for the Premier League title, winning their first encounter 3-2 in Manchester and drawing the return match at Anfield.