Vincent Kompany invites Bayern Munich legend back with Harry Kane & Co eager to learn from 'valuable experience'

Former German defender Jerome Boateng announced his retirement from football last week. A 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, Boateng also lifted two Champions League titles, nine Bundesliga titles, and two UEFA Super Cups before hanging up his boots. Already holding a UEFA B coaching license, he aspires to become a head coach but knows he must first gain experience by interning with established managers. One of his options is to return to his former club Bayern Munich and work under Kompany.

When asked if he would be open to working with Boateng, Kompany replied: “Of course, I would warmly invite him to come and stay with us for a few weeks and share his experience as a top defender with us. That's so valuable. I would invite any well-intentioned Bayern legend to spend a week with us and share their experiences. Our boys still want to learn – we mustn't forget that."

Kompany also expressed confidence in Boateng’s coaching potential: “Of course he can become a top coach if he wants to. You just have to work very hard. And if you make an effort and surround yourself with good people, which is also important, then you can always set the best example.”

Finally, Kompany congratulated Boateng on his career, saying: “First of all, it was great to see how successful he became after our time together in Hamburg: He won two Champions League titles, a World Cup, and so many Bundesliga titles. I don't think any of us would have imagined that 20 years later we would be looking back on a career like this. I'm delighted he achieved all of this. That's why I'm very proud of him!"

Kompany's comments come after, Boateng revealed in an interview with Welt that he is yet to formally ask Kompany about working with him at Bayern, while praising his and Sandro Wagner’s transition from player to coach: “I haven't asked Vincent yet, but I will. He's a great example of how a former player became a great coach. Sandro Wagner, too. Both are authentic. I want to be that, too.”

Boateng also made it clear that his options extend beyond Bayern and Kompany, highlighting interest in working with other coaches: “I've already spoken with Hansi. I can shadow him at FC Barcelona whenever I want. I'm really looking forward to it. I'd also like to shadow my former teammate Patrick Vieira, coach of CFC Genoa."

Boateng will assess his options carefully before making the best decision for his career. For Kompany, bringing Boateng into his backroom staff could add valuable experience, with the former defender’s wealth of knowledge serving as guidance for the squad’s backline.