RB Leipzig's Maxime Esteve told Sport1 about rumours that Vincent Kompany wanted to take him to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024. On Saturday, Esteve and Kompany will meet again when Leipzig visit Munich.
Bayern rumours
The centre-back said: "I genuinely don't know."
Esteve also said: "But I have a particular memory of that period and the rumours about Kompany and Bayern: towards the end of his time at Burnley, there were repeated reports that he might leave the club. After our last game against Nottingham, when we were relegated, I asked Vince whether he would stay despite relegation, and his initial answer was 'yes'. When talks with Bayern became serious that summer, he made a point of calling me to let me know."
A matter of respect
Esteve said: "Because we'd had that conversation after Nottingham. He didn't have to do that. But it shows even more what kind of character he has. I have enormous respect for him."
View of Kompany at Bayern
Esteve said: "Even at Burnley, it quickly became clear to me that he would be successful at Bayern. Perhaps back then at Burnley he didn't have exactly the right types of player in every position to implement his style of play to perfection, as he is now managing to do at Bayern. It's working really well there at the moment,"
Esteve said: "He's also still a very young coach with a very modern style of play. I'm not at all surprised by how successful his time there has been."
Connection with players
Esteve said: "He has a very good connection with the players, but it's not so close that it could cause problems. He has found a good balance."
GOAL says Esteve joined RB Leipzig after Burnley were relegated from the Premier League again. GOAL says he joined for a reported €25 million plus bonuses.