Vincent Kompany - Sportsmax

Bayern Munich confirm shock appointment of Kompany

Kompany has joined Bayern on a three-year deal, and comes in as Thomas Tuchel's replacement.

The former Manchester City captain, who began his coaching career in Belgium with Anderlecht, could not keep Burnley in the Premier League in 2023-24.

Indeed, the Clarets were relegated following a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor in their penultimate match of the season.

Yet, less than two weeks after the campaign's conclusion, Kompany has been installed as boss of one of Europe's biggest clubs.

The 38-year-old joins Bayern after Tuchel confirmed talks over potentially reversing the decision for him and the club to part ways, which came in February, had ended.

Bayern lost their last game of the Bundesliga season to finish in third place, having failed to win any of the four trophies they were in contention for, seeing their dominance of Germany's top tier ended by Xabi Alonso's unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen team.

Alonso had been Bayern's primary target, but their former midfielder has elected to stay at Leverkusen for next season.

Bayern were also linked with Roberto De Zerbi, who has just left Brighton, and Brentford coach Thomas Frank, while they were turned down by Austria coach Ralf Rangnick. Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea on Monday, was also rumoured as a potential option.

Kompany, then, is a surprise pick, but Bayern will be hoping he rediscovers the magic touch he had during his first season at Turf Moor in 2022-23, when he guided the Clarets to promotion from the Championship, earning 101 points in the process.

However, Kompany's possession-based, front-foot approach was badly exposed in the Premier League, with Burnley winning just five games on their way to taking 24 points as they finished 19th, going back down alongside Luton Town and Sheffield United.

He leaves Burnley having managed 96 games, winning 41 (42.7 per cent) of those matches.

In a statement, Burnley said they were "initially confident" of keeping Kompany at the club, but claimed "the changing dynamics of the situation made this impossible".

"We understand the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich and respect Vincent's ambition to explore new opportunities," the statement continued.

"We wish only the best for Vincent and would like to put on record our appreciation for his dedication every single day he was a part of this football club.

"Our priority remains the stability and success of Burnley, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that our ambition is realised, namely our return to the Premier League."

Bellamy steps down as Anderlecht assistant to deal with mental health problems

Bellamy, who talked extensively about his long battle with depression last year, had been part of the Anderlecht coaching staff since 2019.

The 42-year-old has been working as former Manchester City team-mate Kompany's right-hand man since earlier this year, but he will officially step aside on Monday.

A statement on Anderlecht's website on Sunday read: "Assistant coach Craig Bellamy will leave the coaching staff of RSC Anderlecht on Monday.

"Bellamy already struggled with mental problems in the past and these have resurfaced again recently.

"With his departure, the Brit took a very difficult, but absolutely necessary decision concerning his health.

"Bellamy said goodbye to the players in the dressing room on Sunday afternoon after the 7-2 victory against KV Mechelen."

Former Wales international Bellamy retired from football in 2014 following a second spell with hometown club Cardiff City.

He moved into coaching with Cardiff at academy level before departing in January 2019 and taking up a similar position with Anderlecht.

Following the news of Bellamy's departure, Kompany added: "Craig has long struggled with his mental health. Now the monster is back there.

"Health is above football. We are obligated to give him the chance to get well."

Coronavirus: It makes no sense – Nasri denies reports of going AWOL during self-isolation

The Pro League in early April suggested the 2019-20 season be cancelled and a meeting to determine its fate is due to be held on Friday.

Anderlecht last played on March 7, defeating Zulte-Waregem 7-0 at home, though Nasri did not feature in the matchday squad.

Nasri has been at the centre of media rumours this week, however, after reports in Belgian publication Derniere Heure claimed the former Manchester City and Arsenal playmaker had not been in regular contact with player-manager Vincent Kompany.

But Nasri has dismissed the rumours, insisting he has been keeping in touch with Anderlecht.

"It makes no sense," Nasri said during in a live interview on Instagram.

"Where did you see someone disappear? Because that is what I thought I saw or heard said: someone who has disappeared or no longer gives any sign of life.

"I speak to the chief medical officer every day. He is the one who sends me the sessions I have to do. I also speak with Vincent Kompany."

Nasri joined up with former City team-mate Kompany at Anderlecht in 2019 but has failed to revive his career in Belgium, having made just eight appearances in all competitions.

Coronavirus: Kompany and Anderlecht set for training sessions with a difference

Player-boss Kompany has seen his players stay fit at home in recent weeks, with the Anderlecht stars dialling in on Zoom to take part in exercise sessions.

But many first-team footballers are expected back at the Neerpede training ground after Anderlecht decided the time was right to reunite in the same place.

Belgium remains largely locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it was announced on April 2 that a plan was in place to abandon the Pro League season; however, a final decision in that respect has yet to be taken. There is only one round of regular-season games remaining.

In the meantime, Anderlecht have invited players to pull on their training kit and assemble together, while stressing attendance on Monday is voluntary.

Tackling and physical contact is set to be banned in the sessions.

Club spokesman David Steegen said: "Players who do not feel reassured can continue to work at home. But each player present at Neerpede will observe the safety distances and the coaches will direct the exercises while respecting the social distance."

Speaking to Belgian public service broadcaster RTBF, Steegen added: "It will be mainly physical training, but also with a ball.

"All the equipment used will be disinfected, before and after each session. Players will not have access to the dressing room, everyone will change and shower at home."

UEFA questioned Belgium's intention to cancel the rest of its league season, and there will be no final ruling on whether the campaign will resume until late April at the earliest.

Anderlecht have endured a rocky first season since Kompany joined after bringing an end to his illustrious Manchester City career.

They sit eighth in the Pro League, with Club Brugge 15 points clear of closest rivals Gent at the top.

It makes no sense – Nasri denies reports of going AWOL during self-isolation