Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has revealed that he rejected several offers to work as a television pundit during the upcoming World Cup, saying he wants to use the break to rest and spend time with his family.
Broadcasters in England reportedly approached the Belgian coach ahead of the tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, but he made it clear he had no intention of taking on extra work.
“No chance, no chance,” Kompany replied, cutting in before a reporter could even finish a question about the offers. “What am I supposed to do, work as a TV pundit on holiday? I won’t have a family left in Munich next year,” he joked at a press conference before Wednesday’s DFB Pokal semi final against Bayer Leverkusen.
He doubled down in a lighter tone, repeating that he would not sacrifice his family time for punditry duties during the off season. Reports in England say media interest has been driven in part by Kompany’s insight into England captain Harry Kane, whom he coaches at Bayern, and by his previous stints as an analyst with major broadcasters.
Kompany’s stance comes at the end of a demanding campaign in which Bayern sealed a record extending 35th Bundesliga title and now turn their focus to domestic and European cup competitions. The Bavarian giants face Leverkusen in the German Cup semi final as they chase a return to the final for the first time since 2020.
However, the coach must make do without injured trio Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl and Tom Bischof. He is banking on in form playmaker Jamal Musiala, who is nearing peak condition after a long layoff and played a decisive role in the Champions League quarter final win over Real Madrid. Musiala came off the bench in that tie to win a booking from Eduardo Camavinga with a dazzling run and set up a crucial late equaliser.
Bayern also have a high profile Champions League semi final against Paris Saint Germain on the horizon, with the two legs scheduled for April 28 and May 6. That congested run of fixtures underlines why Kompany says he needs a genuine break when the World Cup arrives, rather than swapping the dugout for a TV studio.
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