In the first of his regular columns with The Athletic, the World Cup-winning former Bayern Munich captain assesses Kompany's progress so far

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany spoke about expanding the club's brand at the FIFA World Club Cup in the United States this summer.

Bayern Munich are set to host Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the upcoming UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16.

Kompany is a big fan of the 22-year-old international, having previously worked with him at Anderlecht. He attempted to sign Verbruggen during his tenure at Burnley, but the Seagulls swooped in with a successful £16.5million bid and the promise of Premier League football.

Bayern Munich rallied from a goal down to beat VfB Stuttgart 3-1 on Friday and consolidate their position at the top of the Bundesliga, with coach Vincent Kompany praising his side's resilience, saying it was "a real German top match".

Bayern Munich has come from behind to beat a spirited Stuttgart 3-1 and extend its lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 11 points.

VfB Stuttgart are all set to host Bayern Munich on matchday 24 of the Bundesliga 2024-25 season. The hosts are in seventh place.