Vincent Kompany's 'wonderful' leadership has spread throughout Bayern Munich as club legend labels contract extension 'absolutely' right decision

Bayern Munich were "absolutely" correct to hand Vincent Kompany a new contract, says club legend Lothar Matthaus. The former Germany star says the positive effect of the Belgian coach's leadership is evident throughout the club, praising Kompany for his influence on team spirit and the positive atmosphere that has returned to the Bundesliga champions.

Kompany's extension delights legends at Bayern

The Belgian, who guided Bayern to the Bundesliga title in his first season in charge, has quickly become a symbol of leadership, calm authority, and unity in Bavaria. The announcement comes as Bayern continue their flawless start to the new campaign, winning all 11 competitive matches this season and equalling the best start ever recorded by a German club. Kompany, who arrived from Burnley in the summer of 2024, has already restored a sense of stability and togetherness that many felt had been missing since the era of Hansi Flick.

“I’m grateful, honoured and would like to thank Bayern for the trust and the working environment they’ve given me from day one,” Kompany said after signing the deal this week. “It feels like I’ve been here a lot longer and that I know the club well. It’s been a great experience so far. We’ve started on a wonderful journey.”

AdvertisementAFP'Not just about trophies' – Matthaus praises Kompany's impact

Matthaus spoke glowingly about the 39-year-old’s impact, likening the current environment at the club to the eras of Jupp Heynckes and Ottmar Hitzfeld. “The contract extension with Vincent Kompany is absolutely the right decision for me,” Matthaus told . “The way Kompany leads the team is reflected throughout the entire club. Since Kompany has been here, that atmosphere has returned, and I think it’s wonderful.”

Matthaus emphasised that Kompany’s contribution extends beyond just winning titles. “It’s not just about trophies,” he said. “We may have won a few titles under other coaches during the time of Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic, but in the long run, the climate at FC Bayern is crucial. The togetherness that was missing for many years seems to be working again.”

He further praised the synergy between Kompany and Bayern’s leadership trio of Max Eberl, Christoph Freund, and CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. “If you interact like this every day and create a positive atmosphere, then it also reflects the club to the outside world,” Matthaus added.

Bayern's top brass united behind the Belgian coach

Bayern president Herbert Hainer also lauded Kompany’s influence, describing him as a coach who has “brought a breath of fresh air and togetherness” back to the club. “He’s doing an incredibly good job,” Hainer said. “We’re playing very attractive football, scoring lots of goals. There’s an incredible sense of togetherness, that comes from the coach, who does that brilliantly both from a sporting and personal point of view.”

CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen echoed those sentiments, saying Kompany has “brought the fun back to Bayern, and the spark has really caught on.” Dreesen noted that the Belgian’s style of play and man-management have turned Bayern into “a real team that plays dominant and attractive football.”

Sporting director Max Eberl went a step further, calling Kompany “a lucky find for FC Bayern.” He added: “He’s made fantastic progress with the team. The togetherness, this energy, this desire to win, the coach has instilled that in the players. We want to keep riding this wave.”

Getty Images SportKompany leading from the front as Bayern chase European glory

Kompany’s Bayern are now characterised by a modern, pressing-heavy philosophy combined with fluid possession play, a hallmark of his tactical vision. Under his guidance, Bayern have scored an astonishing 194 goals in 67 matches, while maintaining defensive discipline and collective energy.

What truly sets Kompany apart, however, is his empathetic leadership style. Known for open communication and respect for every squad member, he has managed to rebuild the sense of family that once defined Bayern’s most successful eras. “I understand how the club thinks, but also the players,” Kompany said. “We have the same goals. I want to write history together, where people say: ‘This is Bayern.’” When asked about the contract news ahead of Bayern’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge, he replied: “My only request was that it’s not a big topic and we can quickly put the focus back on the next match. I just want to win tomorrow.”

With 14 wins in 14 matches across all competitions, the Rekordmeister are currently top of both the Bundesliga and their Champions League league phase group. They will host Belgian runners-up Club Brugge next, as Kompany looks to extend the club’s perfect start and further solidify his growing legacy in Munich.