Vincent Kompany rejected Chelsea and two other Premier League clubs | Football

Bayern appointed the former Manchester City captain on a three-year deal despite Kompany overseeing Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League last season.

Kompany had taken Burnley back up to the English top-flight the previous season but then oversaw just five wins in 38 games as the Clarets finished second-bottom to drop back down to the Championship.

Given Burnley’s struggles, it was a surprise to see Kompany poached by German giants Bayern Munich, who were minutes away from reaching the Champions League final under former boss Thomas Tuchel.

Despite their European run, Bayern endured a dismal domestic season, failing to win the Bundesliga for the first time since 2012 and finishing 28 points behind unbeaten champions Bayer Leverkusen.

The west Londoners appointed ex-Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca as Pochettino’s replacement but Brighton are yet to appoint their new manager.

Spurs, meanwhile, were looking for Antonio Conte’s replacement this time last year, eventually bringing Ange Postecoglou to north London from Scottish champions Celtic.

‘It was a surprise to the whole world. Well, not for me,’ said Kompany’s dad, who is a politician for Belgian party Les Engages.

‘If you look at which teams have already come knocking: last year you had Tottenham and Chelsea, now Brighton showed interest, and Chelsea again.

‘But when Bayern, a club that is so well structured at all levels, comes knocking, you don’t refuse.

‘At Bayern they did not focus blindly on that relegation. They know Burnley should have got more points. They thought it was good that Vincent does not deny his vision when he falls behind.’

Following his appointment at Bayern Munich, four-time Premier League winner Kompany said: ‘It’s a great honour to be able to work for this club – FC Bayern is an institution in international football.’

Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund added: ‘Vincent Kompany is a type of coach who fits in very well with FC Bayern’s playing philosophy and identity.

‘He is a young, very ambitious coach who brings a lot of international experience, has his finger on the pulse of the players and knows exactly what should happen on the pitch.’