Vincent Kompany shares something with Pep Guardiola as Bayern Munich pursues more greatness

Vincent Kompany's rapid rise as a head coach has reached a milestone that places him alongside one of the most respected managers in modern soccer.

After Bayern Munich's 8-1 win over Wolfsburg, Kompany now averages 2.52 points per game across his first 50 Bundesliga matches, a figure that matches the best mark in league history, shared with former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola.

Despite the significance of the achievement, Kompany was quick to deflect credit. "These aren't my points, they're the players' points," the Belgian said when asked about the record. The numbers, however, underscore the impact he has made in a short period of time at one of the most demanding clubs in the world.

Bayern is dominating the Bundesliga

Bayern followed that dominant performance by holding their final training session ahead of a trip to face Köln, where a win would complete the best first half of a Bundesliga season in club history. The 8-1 victory lifted Bayern to 44 points, putting them 11 clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table, though RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim still have games in hand.

Kompany acknowledged that replicating such a performance is difficult, but emphasized the group's hunger to push further. "What the lads showed on Sunday is not normal, we mustn't forget that," he said. "But the motivation is there, we want to see how far we can go with this form."

When Bayern appointed Kompany, questions followed. The former Manchester City captain was coming off a relegation season with Burnley in England, and some doubted whether a young coach with limited top-level experience was ready to lead a global powerhouse. Less than a year later, Kompany has silenced those doubts by guiding Bayern back to the top of German soccer after Bayer Leverkusen's historic double in the 2023-24 season.

Bayern has come up with an aggressive style

Under Kompany, Bayern have embraced an aggressive, entertaining style that aligns with the club's expectations. His innovative 2-4-4 structure in possession encourages wingers like Michael Olise and Leroy Sané to stretch the field while midfielders and fullbacks push high to control games. The results have been clear, with Bayern leading the Bundesliga in average possession, shots, and goals this season.

Defensive stability has also improved. By settling on a consistent back four, Kompany has brought clarity to the back line, a change praised by club legend Philipp Lahm. Center backs Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano have benefited from regular minutes and increased confidence, contributing to a more balanced team.

Kompany's influence has extended beyond tactics. His in-game adjustments and halftime interventions have proven decisive, including in the 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund in November. Trailing at the break, Bayern responded after Kompany's calm and analytical guidance. Captain Manuel Neuer credited the coach for making the difference in the second half.