Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has reportedly instituted a number of strict rules on his players since taking over the club this summer.
With Bayern reeling from missing out on a first league title in more than a decade, the appointment of the former Manchester City defender raised eyebrows when it was announced in May.
The Bavarian club paid more than £10million in compensation to Burnley to secure Kompany’s services, despite the Belgian failing to stave off relegation after returning the Clarets to the top flight.
Since then the club have embarked on an unbeaten start in the Bundesliga, and currently sit top of the table on goal difference.
According to a report from Bild, a key component of Kompany’s early success has come from a focus on team cohesion, driven by a number of behind-the-scenes reforms.
Vincent Kompany has instituted a series of reforms since being named Bayern Munich boss
The 38-year-old manager is said to be determined to instill a ‘winning mentality’ in his players
After missing out on the league last year Bayern currently sit top of the Bundesliga table
A key part of Kompany’s approach is said to be instilling a ‘winning mentality’ in his team.
The four-time Premier League winner’s overarching ethos is said to be one of cohesiveness within the unit, with him reportedly telling his squad: ‘There’s nothing better than the team, nothing better than the group. No one should be afraid of making a mistake.’
As a result, players who are late to training are no longer expected to pay a fine but instead are required to remain at the training for as long as Kompany does.
In addition, players are reportedly informed of a matchday squad via an internal WhatsApp group, with the starting XI revealed later. Those who are not included are contacted personally by Kompany beforehand.
Unlike his predecessor at the Allianz, Kompany is also said to use post-match video analysis to highlight aspects that have little tactical relevance but represent the kind of mentality he expects from his team.
He reportedly singled Harry Kane out for praise after the club’s European opener last month
One specific example cited is of Harry Kane’s performance in Bayern’s thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League opener last month.
While Kane netted four times in the 9-2 victory, Kompany insisted chose to focus on the England captain’s work tracking back in the closing stages, and in particular, a challenge he made inside his own box with the game already won.
Players who fail to attend these video sessions on time are prevented from entering.