Kompany, Guardiola’s successor at City? Analysis and possibilities

Vincent Kompany: Is he the ideal successor to Guardiola at Manchester City?

In the footballing horizon, Manchester City will face the task of finding Pep Guardiola’s successor. Although the exact moment is uncertain, one name stands out as the most promising candidate: Vincent Kompany, currently at the helm of Bayern Munich. The clash between Bayern and Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League could be a prelude of what’s to come. Kompany and Mikel Arteta, another potential successor to Guardiola, will face each other in a duel of strategists. Although Arteta was Guardiola’s assistant at City, his project at Arsenal seems to rule out a change of course. Kompany, whom we have known for almost two decades, seems to be the right person to succeed Pep at City. His connection with the club, his leadership and his personality are key qualities.

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The timing is crucial in football, and Kompany manages a club the size of Bayern. For a footballer, what club would be enough to leave Liverpool, Manchester United, or another team? Probably Real Madrid. For Kompany, Manchester City could be his “Real Madrid”. In my opinion, he would fit perfectly to replace Pep at some point. You need a great personality to follow someone like Pep Guardiola, and Vinny has it. Kompany possesses the political skills to manage at all levels, as well as a connection and love for the club, rooted in his 11 years as a player at the Etihad. During that period, he won 12 trophies, 11 as captain, including four Premier League titles. Kompany, a man of great personality, is also a strategist with a football philosophy that would fit in at City. When they met, he played as a number 10 at Hamburg. His presence and leadership were evident from the beginning. He mastered several languages, breaking down barriers in the locker room. He is a person who excels in everything he does, valuing hard work and innate ability. He combined his football career with business studies at the University of Manchester.

Kompany, although kind, can also be direct and energetic. In a friendly against Inter Milan in 2010, he demonstrated his character. Faced with frustration over the team’s performance, he confronted Inter striker Samuel Eto’o with an intensity that raised the standards. He led by example, showing a winning mentality that defines great teams and players. In Burnley, he implemented strategies to motivate the players, adapting the tactics to each one. He convinced a forward to press higher up the field, which generated more goal opportunities for him. In Bayern, Kompany prepares his players to overcome the rivals who try to stop the team with different strategies. He has been successful using Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala as “false 9s”.

At Bayern, Kompany has proven his worth, earning a new contract despite initial doubts. His style of play, which demands speed and movement, would be well-received at City. His relationship with the fans and the club’s management would ensure instant acceptance, something that David Moyes and Unai Emery did not have when they replaced Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger. If he returns to City as a coach, Kompany would not try to be Pep, which is crucial. Although he might feel nervous, his strong character would allow him to face the challenge with the same determination he has shown throughout his career. However, the timing is key, and leaving Bayern would be a difficult decision. Ultimately, Kompany will want to prove himself at an elite Premier League club. And Manchester City seems like the perfect place for that. Nedum Onuoha spoke with ESPN senior writer Mark Ogden.