Vincent Kompany hangs his shoes on the hook and becomes head coach at Anderlecht. This afternoon the new Purple & White trainer spoke to the press for the first time. He gave text and explanation about his sudden decision. “My dual role was no longer valid,” he said. “At the age of 34 I had suffered enough as a player.”
Kompany could count on a great deal of press interest at his first press conference. Only at the very end was CEO Karel Van Eetvelt announced that Frank Vercauteren “will not remain involved with the club”, for the rest they mainly wanted to know why Kompany is now taking this decision.
“I already made this decision after the first day of play”, he explained. “But we still prepared the match against STVV in all serenity. The reason is quite simple. I came from City to Anderlecht knowing that the club was in trouble. I wanted to give this club an identity and a soul again. is a fire in me that cannot be extinguished. I asked myself many questions and the conclusion was that my dual role as a player and as the driving force of the project was no longer valid. My priority is the project, which is above my playing career and above the European Championship with the Red Devils. “
So the umpteenth injury did not play a role? “No. Even if I was fit, I would have been here. Be careful, it is mentally very difficult to rehabilitate every time. That is only possible if you have a clear goal. That was for me to win the European Championship with the Red Devils The group has that potential. But this club is even more important to me. “
“As captain I already had a big influence on this team, but you lose it on a match day if you are injured. Now I no longer suffer from injuries. I will be there every day, I don’t want to hide. I don’t stand there. like to have one foot in a project. It must now be and remain clear for everyone. “
The conclusion was that my dual role as a player and as the driving force behind the project was no longer valid. My priority is the project. I don’t want to hide.
“Will the club leave better than it was when I got here”
Is Kompany untouchable as a trainer at Anderlecht? “No. The club will be in a better state after I leave than it was here when I arrived. That’s my hope. Whether within 3 matches or within 30 years. The club will have a clearer identity after me. The next coach will not move defensive 5-3-2 and play with long balls. When my time is up, it will be. But the football culture has to stay. “
But isn’t Kompany also investing in the club? “I think those two things are separate from each other. The club needs financial support, but I also have a role to play in sports. My link with this club is stronger than just my role as a trainer. The club is in my heart forever.”
This was Vincent Kompany’s performance as a trainer, but also a farewell as a player. “As a player I have never been able to give everything because I slowed down
was due to injuries. That will now be possible as a trainer. I look back on my career with pride and my parents will be proud too. I have really suffered a lot physically and at the age of 34 I say: “enough is enough”. “
Did Roberto Martinez try to give Kompany other ideas? “No. He also knows that I will not reconsider a decision. He congratulated me and I support him 200 percent in the national team.”
Watch the full press conference with Vincent Kompany:
Van Eetvelt also surprised by Kompany: “He took the plunge last week”
