Harry Kane 'perfectly' meeting Vincent Kompany's demands and hailed as best example for Bayern Munich team-mates as Belgian coach's successful training regime revealed

Bayern are the only club among Europe’s top five leagues to maintain a 100 per cent record, winning all nine of their matches so far across the Champions League, Bundesliga and DFL-Supercup. Despite missing out on summer transfer targets such as Nico Williams and Nick Woltemade, and parting ways with key players like Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane, Bayern have looked unstoppable under Kompany. German outlet Sport Bild has revealed the methods and ideas behind Kompany’s impressive start at the helm.

Building out from the back, Kompany places strong emphasis on angles and support, encouraging full-backs, centre-backs and midfielders to find space in different areas of the pitch. This positioning allows them to offer passing options to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer when playing out from the back while avoiding being caught in the shadow of opposition players. Full-backs are urged to move into open spaces to receive chipped passes over the heads of opponents, while striker Kane is encouraged to position himself intelligently to receive long goal kicks from Neuer.

Another key aspect of Kompany’s approach is switches of play, where players are instructed to shift the ball from one flank to the other in the opposition half after drawing defenders toward one side. This tactic aims to catch opponents off guard and create open spaces for Bayern’s forwards to exploit. Kompany also grants his attackers, particularly Kane, the freedom to make runs into open areas and take advantage of deep-defending teams to maximise scoring opportunities.

Off the ball, Kompany demands constant perseverance and intensity. He encourages his team to defend as a single, compact unit high up the pitch and to press their opponents collectively. He often uses Kane’s goal against Dinamo Zagreb last season, where the striker pressed high, won the ball back, and scored, as a perfect example of his philosophy on persistence and work rate.

Above all, Kompany insists on complete synergy among his players, believing that only through collective understanding and cohesion can his system function to its fullest potential.

Kompany’s man management has played a crucial role in lifting the team’s morale. The Belgian coach is known for giving his players a longer rope, which has helped him earn their trust and confidence. Despite Serge Gnabry’s poor showing at the Club World Cup, Kompany continued to back him until the winger regained his form. The coach also shows a fine balance between discipline and leniency, choosing the right moments to apply each. For instance, he opted for leniency when players were seen enjoying themselves during Oktoberfest, a decision that further strengthened the bond between him and his squad.

With Bayern consistently producing strong results, it is clear that the players have fully embraced Kompany’s principles. One of the biggest beneficiaries has been Kane, who has thrived under the Belgian’s guidance. The England striker has scored 103 goals and provided 29 assists in 106 appearances, also securing the first major title of his career as Bayern lifted the 2024–25 Bundesliga trophy.

The report adds that Kompany's insistence on discipline, punctuality and teamwork has resulted in a sudden improvement in Kane's defensive work and desire to win duels.

Another standout performer under Kompany has been midfielder Konrad Laimer, who has grown into a key figure in the side. His form has drawn widespread praise, including from Austrian captain David Alaba, who recently described him as a world class player.

Bayern will hope that Kompany’s principles continue to guide the German league leaders when they host arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Der Klassiker on Saturday. Fans will be eager to see Kane find the back of the net once again and help his side secure another crucial victory.