In our series about the FC Bayern coaching staff over the coming days, we present head coach Vincent Kompany's assistants to you in more detail. Next up is Floribert N'Galula, who has accompanied his friend and superior for a long time. Find the other profiles below:
A. Danks F. N'Galula R. Marić M. Rechner W. Gfrerer/B. Geers
From Vincent Kompany’s beginnings as a footballer to his first steps in coaching – Floribert N‘Galula has always been at the side of FC Bayern’s new head coach. Now “Flo” will continue that partnership as part of the German record champions’ coaching staff. “I’ve known Vinny for a good 25 years,” explains the 37-year-old. “We both grew up in Brussels and played at Anderlecht. When I had to retire from playing because of injuries, we kept in touch. He’s one of my best friends.”
To Manchester United at 16
After successful years together in the RSC Anderlecht academy and the Belgian national youth teams, their careers took different paths. Whereas Kompany made the leap into professional football and went on to play for Manchester City, N’Galula was not so fortunate. Although he joined Manchester United aged 16 and became the first ever Belgian in the English record champions’ first-team squad, a serious injury ultimately prevented his breakthrough. After that, the defender had spells at Danish top-flight outfit Randers FC, Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands and D.C. United in the USA, but never quite made it as a professional. N‘Galula then moved through the amateur leagues in Germany, Finland and Belgium.
This long journey through several countries was formative for the assistant coach. “It was good to get to know different cultures, and important for my approach to football to see other ways of life,” says N’Galula, who speaks fluent French and English, among other languages. “I also know a bit of German, my wife was born in Germany.” All experiences that should help the 37-year-old in his job at Bayern. “Along with tactical and technical aspects, my remit in the team has a particular focus on the players as individuals,” he explains. A close relationship with them is important to him.
N'Galula: Vinny is always pushing
N’Galula’s “empathy and understanding are valuable” for his team, stressed his boss Kompany. He’s the one who pushes his assistant on a daily basis. “You have to deliver every day and try to improve, because Vinny is someone who is always pushing,” says N’Galula, adding: “He’s open to ideas, open to new methods of working. It’s always been a pleasure to work with him.” Now the duo embark on their next step together at Bayern.
Series continues
Our series continues with the next part tomorrow, when we introduce you to assistant coach René Marić in more detail. Find out what encounter opened the door for the Austrian into the professional ranks, how he experienced his turbulent early days at FC Bayern and what his new book is all about. Watch this space!
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