Former world-class striker Thierry Henry has lauded FC Bayern, specifically highlighting the club’s philosophy and his former colleague Vincent Kompany.
In an interview with Sport Illustrated Deutschland, Henry stated: «When you see players like Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry, and Joshua Kimmich, it’s a joy. I have always admired FC Bayern for how the club is run.»
According to Henry, the positive reputation of FC Bayern among French players who have previously played for the club has also contributed to his admiration. «Former players like Franck Ribery, Willy Sagnol, and Bixente Lizarazu spoke very highly of Bayern, the club, the fans, and the mentality – of everything, really,» said the former World and European Champion.
Throughout his career, Henry played for FC Arsenal, later for FC Barcelona, and the New York Red Bulls. After his playing career, the current TV expert worked as an assistant coach for the Belgian national team, among other roles.
From 2016 to 2018, the 48-year-old coached alongside Vincent Kompany, and together they achieved a third-place finish at the World Cup finals in Russia.
Henry on Bayern’s Kompany Signing: ‘A Smart Decision’
He congratulated the Munich club on their decision to appoint the long-serving City defender as Thomas Tuchel’s successor in 2024: «You have to give great respect to the Bayern leadership for signing him despite Burnley’s relegation, because they saw something in him that fits the club’s identity. It was a smart decision.»
He further elaborated: «In the beginning, many thought he wasn’t the right person for the job, but he’s doing outstandingly. When you place someone like him in the right environment – with people who understand him – you get the FC Bayern of today.»
Kompany and the Reds have had a successful season, winning the double of the German championship and the DFB-Pokal. In the Champions League, they were close to reaching the final but were ultimately defeated in the semi-finals after a spectacular first leg against eventual winners PSG.
Kompany has received much praise for his work, and for Henry, this is not surprising: «I worked with him when I was an assistant coach for Belgium. You could already see how intelligent he is. He speaks many languages and is very clear about what he wants. He doesn’t hesitate, and when he says something, he means it. He is a strong leader and has proven he can deliver when you give him the right players.»