Thomas Tuchel slammed for lack of 'empathy' as Bayern Munich chief says Vincent Kompany has restored 'team spirit' that was lost under England manager

Tuchel’s tenure at Bayern from March 2023 to June 2024 ended in frustration. The former Borussia Dortmund boss admitted he struggled to “consistently bring the team to a higher level,” compounded by injury problems within the squad. Despite announcing he would step down, Bayern initially tried to retain him, with thousands of fans signing petitions and players like Manuel Neuer and Harry Kane urging him to stay.

His side finished third in the Bundesliga as Bayer Leverkusen went on to win the league and the DFB-Pokal, leading to Bayern ultimately deciding to part ways with him. With alternatives such as Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick unavailable, they turned to Kompany to lead the team. The Belgian has done a fine job so far, having guided the team to the Bundesliga title and a strong start to the new season.

Rummenigge has given Kompany the credit for their revival, telling Bayerischen Rundfunk: "The team spirit has returned. It was somewhat lost under Thomas Tuchel, because in terms of empathy, there really wasn't enough work done.

"[Kompany] has formed the team into a unit from day one, maintaining a good rapport with every single player. The result is that the team works really well, both on the pitch and in their private lives. They do a lot together, and the coach is the spiritus rector; he's doing a great job."

Since taking over, Kompany has revitalised Bayern’s squad with a high-pressing, attacking style and strong locker-room culture. The players, inspired by Kompany’s leadership, have responded with cohesion, energy, and a sense of unity absent under Tuchel. The Belgian coach has since managed 64 games for the club in which he has won 46, while drawing and losing nine.

Bayern have not only reclaimed domestic dominance but also built a team ethos that balances on-pitch performance with off-pitch camaraderie. Stars like Jamal Musiala have praised Kompany’s influence on their development and mindset, highlighting the renewed confidence coursing through the squad.

The impact of Kompany’s leadership is evident in Bayern’s eight-win streak to start the 2025-26 campaign. Even without landing several key summer transfer targets, the team is firing on all cylinders, with attacking threats and tactical flexibility proving decisive. Despite key injuries to Musiala, Hiroki Ito and Alphonsoe Davies, Kompany has navigated well with the shortcomings. The Bundesliga club are set to fly to Cyprus to face Pafos in their next Champions League outing on September 30.