Bayern Munich’s perfect start to the season continues with 13 wins in 13 games across all competitions, setting a new European record under Vincent Kompany. Yet, history could’ve looked very different. Schalke’s former sporting director Rouven Schroder has now revealed that before Kompany took charge of Burnley, talks were held for him to take the reins in Gelsenkirchen.
From near miss to masterpiece – Kompany's Bayern on a rampage
Bayern’s remarkable start under Kompany has stunned Europe. With 13 consecutive wins in all competitions to begin the 2025-26 season, Bayern equalled AC Milan’s 1992–93 European record for teams in the continent’s top five leagues. This flawless run, stretching across the Bundesliga, Champions League, DFB Pokal, and DFL-Supercup, has come with a staggering 47-9 goal differential, technically surpassing Milan’s own scoring stats from their historic streak.
Under Kompany, Bayern have become the first German club in history to achieve this milestone. The Belgian’s tactical precision, calm authority, and focus on team culture have not only stabilised the club but positioned them among the favourites for this season’s Champions League title.
However, this story could have taken a very different turn. As former Schalke sporting director Schroder revealed, he once held talks with Kompany over potentially taking charge at Schalke before the Belgian opted to move to England and join then Championship-side Burnley.
AdvertisementAFPSchroder recalls talks with 'authentic' Kompany
Schroder opened up about his early encounter with Kompany during the Belgian’s time at Anderlecht, when he tried to persuade him to join Schalke.
"When he was at Anderlecht and we were looking for a coach at Schalke for the Bundesliga, I was simply tempted to talk to such a great player. He was also Manchester City captain. That was one of the best conversations you can have with a coach. A young, up-and-coming coach. The door opens; he's huge and superbly prepared," said the Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director.
"When you meet him, you notice: He has an incredible authority, a lightness. He is authentic. He explained what was on his mind and what he wanted to do for the preparation and follow-up. He had an incredible number of sheets, a PowerPoint presentation that really showed: 'Here's someone who plays football with passion, trains, and leads the way'. And then there's this multilingualism. You felt something there."
However, the 50-year-old wasn't able to get a second meeting in place as there were budgetary constraints.
"It was ultimately due to his large staff. We didn't talk any further after that. It became clear relatively quickly that it wasn't financially feasible. It simply didn't fit into the budget. Several clubs were interested in him at the time. Whether we would have been awarded the contract is unclear," said Schroder.
Burnley – the foundation of Kompany’s managerial rise
After Schalke’s approach fell through, Kompany joined Burnley in 2022, a move that would shape his managerial identity. In his debut season, he led Burnley to a record-breaking Championship title, amassing 101 points, winning 29 of 46 matches, and securing promotion to the Premier League in emphatic style.
His attacking philosophy, heavy on possession and positional play, revitalised a team that had been struggling financially and emotionally after relegation. This identity was something he didn't let go of even after Burnley's lowest club total of 24 points and 78 goals conceded in the 2023-24 season. Burnley became the first club since Leicester City in the 2013–14 season to surpass the 100-point barrier.
Although the Premier League proved unforgiving – Burnley finished 19th and were relegated – Kompany’s approach earned him admiration across Europe. His charisma, clarity and commitment to progressive football didn’t go unnoticed. In summer 2024, Bayern Munich came calling, paying €12 million to bring him to the Allianz Arena.
Imago Images / Sven SimonKompany’s Bayern rewrite the script
In little over a year, Kompany has turned Bayern into a powerhouse reborn. Amid their 13-match winning streak, his calm leadership and modern footballing vision have reignited the club’s spirit. The transformation has been so profound that Bayern recently extended his contract until 2029, making him the first Bayern manager since 2010 to receive an early renewal.
Under his guidance, Harry Kane has been in breathtaking form, breaking goal-scoring records and steering Bayern’s dominant attack with 20 goals and three assists to his name already this season that too in just 13 games.