Vincent Kompany “Very Intense” Touch: How the Bayern Munich Boss Is Shaping Dayot Upamecano and Building a New Era of Discipline and Joy

Dayot Upamecano praises Vincent Kompany as “an example” amid Bayern Munich’s perfect start

When Vincent Kompany was unveiled as Bayern Munich’s new head coach, not everyone was convinced. A club steeped in expectation had turned to a young manager still learning his trade — a man who had yet to prove himself at the elite level. But ten games, ten wins, and not a single stumble later, the doubters have gone silent. The former Manchester City captain has Bayern Munich playing with a blend of intensity, structure, and joy that’s caught the eye of everyone at Säbener Straße — especially Dayot Upamecano.

For the French defender, who’s been both praised and criticised for his inconsistency in recent seasons, Kompany has become more than just a coach. He’s become a role model — a mirror image of the kind of player Upamecano aspires to be.

Speaking to Le Parisien, Upamecano revealed how deeply Kompany’s influence has already impacted his game. “We all watched him when we were young,” he said. “He was a legend for Belgium and Manchester City. He was very aggressive in duels, a leader on the pitch, a good example for me. He helps me a lot — we do a lot of videos, he talks to me about my positioning. With him, it’s always very intense.”

That word — intense — seems to capture the entire essence of Kompany’s Bayern project.

The Kompany effect: From City legend to Bayern mastermind

FC Bayern München v SV Werder Bremen – Bundesliga Kompany

When Kompany first arrived at the Allianz Arena, it was seen as a gamble. He had done admirable work at Burnley, winning promotion to the Premier League with a refreshing, possession-based style of football, but Bayern Munich was another universe entirely. The expectation is relentless, the spotlight blinding.

Yet, Kompany’s adaptation has been seamless. The Belgian has implemented a disciplined defensive structure, paired with the kind of vertical attacking play that suits Bayern’s DNA. His team opened the campaign by winning the DFL-Supercup, defeating Stuttgart 2-1 — and from there, they haven’t looked back.

New signings like Jonathan Tah and Luis Díaz have slotted in effortlessly, while young talents such as Tom Bischof have flourished under Kompany’s detailed, high-energy approach. There’s an unmistakable sense that something fresh is brewing in Bavaria — something that blends modern tactics with old-school commitment.

Upamecano’s transformation under Kompany

For Dayot Upamecano, working under Kompany feels like a personal masterclass. Known for his physical dominance but sometimes rash decision-making, the Frenchman has begun to show the kind of maturity and composure that once defined Kompany himself.

“I watch the way he played, how he communicated, how he read the game,” Upamecano said. “He was aggressive, but smart. Now he’s teaching us those same things — he’s demanding, but it’s because he wants us to be better. Every session is full of energy. He talks a lot about details — positioning, reaction, body shape. Sometimes it’s exhausting, but it’s paying off.”

It’s easy to see the impact on the pitch. Bayern’s defensive record this season has been exceptional, with Upamecano and Tah forming a rock-solid partnership. They press higher, recover faster, and transition smoother than in recent years. It’s the kind of football that mirrors Kompany’s playing days — calculated chaos, controlled aggression, and unwavering unity.

The rise of Tom Bischof: A snapshot of Kompany’s youth revolution

FC Bayern München Attends Oktoberfest Kompany

Perhaps the most striking feature of Kompany’s early Bayern reign is his willingness to trust young players. Tom Bischof, just 20 years old, has become the poster boy for this new era. After missing the season’s start due to appendicitis, he was thrown into the starting XI against Werder Bremen in late September — and made an instant impact, assisting Konrad Laimer’s goal in a 4-0 rout.

In an interview with Ran, Bischof offered an honest glimpse into what it’s like working under Kompany. “I’ve rarely seen a coach who has the team so under control and, at the same time, brings so much fun to training,” he said. “The first three weeks were crazy. He told me something about practically every move. I almost thought: ‘Please, that’s enough.’ It annoyed me at first — but now I see how much it’s helped. I constantly think of his words: run after them, keep up, never stop. It’s stuck in my head forever.”

That blend of intensity and enjoyment seems to be Kompany’s trademark. His Bayern are not just playing to win — they’re playing with purpose.

The board’s full backing: “We found the perfect coach”

Inside Bayern’s boardroom, Kompany’s arrival is being hailed as a masterstroke. Sporting director Christoph Freund has been effusive in his praise, calling the Belgian “the perfect coach” for the club’s next chapter.

“He’s extremely ambitious, but so are the players,” Freund told ServusTV. “They want to win everything, and he knows how they feel in every situation. He connects with them, he understands them. He’s built an environment where they work hard, but they also enjoy it. I don’t think we’ve ever seen so much running or sprinting at Bayern — and yet, the players love it.”

It’s not just about tactics or intensity — it’s about culture. Kompany has made Bayern Munich feel alive again. Training sessions are sharper, the dressing room buzzes with energy, and there’s a renewed sense of collective drive.

The Champions League: Kompany’s ultimate goal

Of course, for Bayern Munich, domestic dominance is almost expected. The Bundesliga is their backyard, their playground. But for Kompany, the true test lies elsewhere — the Champions League.

The Belgian never lifted Europe’s top prize as a player, and it’s clear that as a coach, that omission drives him. Bayern fell short last season, knocked out by eventual finalists Inter Milan in the quarter-finals. This time, Kompany seems intent on making sure history doesn’t repeat itself.

The early signs are promising. Bayern opened their Champions League campaign with a statement 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Allianz Arena, blending ruthless efficiency with fearless attacking play. Every match feels like a lesson in modern football — controlled pressing, quick recycling of possession, and relentless focus.

The players, from veterans to youngsters, appear united behind their manager’s vision. “He’s changed the way we think,” said one Bayern insider. “Everything is sharper — training, recovery, communication. He’s made us believe again.”

A new Bayern Munich taking shape

What Kompany has achieved in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. He’s taken the discipline and leadership qualities that made him a legend at Manchester City and infused them into Bayern’s DNA — all while preserving the club’s attacking tradition.

For Upamecano, for Bischof, and for the rest of this evolving squad, Kompany isn’t just a coach. He’s a mentor, an example, and a daily reminder of what excellence looks like. His “very intense” style might not be for everyone — but at Bayern Munich, it’s working wonders.

If this start is anything to go by, Kompany’s tenure could mark the beginning of a new dynasty in Bavaria. The kind built not only on trophies, but on belief, identity, and unrelenting passion.