Vincent Kompany, manager of Burnley, has said that there are “two sides” to footballers, and he is proud to highlight the positive actions they take in their communities. Kompany, a former Manchester City captain, has led the Clarets to the Championship title in his first season in charge. He has been involved with charity initiatives both in Manchester and his hometown of Molenbeek, including helping the city’s homeless. Kompany believes that footballers can either contribute to the economy by spending money on unnecessary things, or help communities by putting their hands in their pockets and giving something back.
When Kompany was appointed Burnley boss 11 months ago, replacing the Clarets’ sacked long-serving manager Sean Dyche, eyebrows were raised. He had been Anderlecht boss for two years before leaving by mutual consent in May 2022, and took over a Burnley side who had been relegated from the Premier League and were set to lose several key players in a bid to pay off their hefty debts. Despite this, his revamped squad have had an unforgettable season, losing just three games on their way to the Championship title and an immediate return to the top flight. Kompany is proud to “give something back” to the town of Burnley, which was identified in government analysis as one of the most deprived towns in England.
Kompany also discussed the lack of diversity in management in the Premier League and English Football League, with just 4.4% of managers being black. He believes that the key is to have a change of the boardrooms in general, so that decision-makers reflect society as well. With 31-year-old Ryan Mason only serving as interim Tottenham boss, Kompany will also likely be the youngest manager in the top-flight next season. He believes that his lack of experience can be an advantage, as he still has energy to showcase what he wants from players and he is learning along the way. Kompany is happy being a young coach and manager, and is proud of the work footballers do for others.