Edin Dzeko Recalls Vincent Kompany’s Early Coaching Ambitions Ahead of Schalke vs. Bayern Match

The 40-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international, now playing for Schalke, reflected on his time alongside Kompany in England between 2011 and 2015. Speaking to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Dzeko detailed the routine of City’s leadership group during away trips, noting that while teammates listened to music in the back of the bus, Kompany remained fixated on his screen.

“In the bus we always sat together, right at the back: Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Aleksandar Kolarov, and I,” Dzeko told the publication. “We listened to music, always had a lot of fun, only Kompany looked into the laptop. What are you doing, what are you studying all the time, we asked him.”

When Kompany later secured promotion as manager of Burnley, Dzeko reached out with a text message acknowledging his former captain’s long-term focus. “Brate (Brother), now I understand …,” Dzeko wrote.

Bundesliga Stakes as Schalke Hosts Bayern Munich

The reunion takes place in Gelsenkirchen as promoted Schalke welcomes defending champion Bayern Munich. Kickoff is scheduled for 18:30 local time and will be broadcast live via Sky. Dzeko admitted he hopes for leniency from his former teammate on the touchline, joking in his interview, “Hopefully he won’t take it quite so seriously on Saturday.”

Dzeko noted that several members of that era’s Manchester City squad have transitioned into roles across football, pointing to Martín Demichelis coaching in Leipzig, Marcel Schäfer serving as managing director in Leipzig, and Christian Gentner working as sporting director in Stuttgart.

“What Kompany has already achieved, that is madness,” Dzeko said. “He was always a captain and a leader, so that doesn’t surprise me.”

Career Milestones and Next Steps

Dzeko is approaching the final chapter of his international career, confirming plans to step away from the Bosnia-Herzegovina national team shortly. At club level, the veteran striker carries the burden of leading Schalke’s attack against an imposing Bayern side that features Harry Kane.

Schalke will look to navigate the tactical challenge posed by Kompany’s side in front of a home crowd. Supporters can follow official updates and post-match analysis through league channels and club broadcasts as the Bundesliga season progresses.