Sat Sep 13 16:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany is set to face his former club Hamburg, a team he played for between 2006 and 2008. Kompany credits his time in Hamburg for his fluency in German and suggests it played a key role in eventually leading him to the Bayern job. However, his departure from Hamburg was acrimonious. In a recent press conference, Kompany revealed he decided to leave after Hamburg prevented him from representing Belgium at the 2008 Olympics. This breach of promise, especially considering other Bundesliga players were allowed to participate in the Olympics, led to Kompany’s frustration and his decision to join Manchester City. He made the decision right after Hamburg’s 2-2 draw with Bayern, the last time Hamburg actually took any points away at Allianz Arena.

**News Article:**

**Kompany’s Olympic Snub Fuels Bayern Clash with Former Club Hamburg**

**Munich, Germany** – Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is preparing to face his former club Hamburg this weekend, a match that holds a layer of personal history and simmering resentment. Kompany, who played for Hamburg from 2006 to 2008, credits his time there for his German language skills and the foundation that paved the way for his current position at Bayern.

However, Kompany’s departure from Hamburg was far from amicable. Speaking at a press conference, Kompany revealed the incident that triggered his exit: being denied the opportunity to represent Belgium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I remember that game [against Bayern Munich],” Kompany said. “I didn’t know it would be the last time that I appeared for HSV, but I did decide that I wanted to leave after that game. It was promised to me that I could represent Belgium at the Olympic games in China and I couldn’t play. They recalled me and sat me down on the bench.”

Kompany contrasted Hamburg’s stance with other Bundesliga clubs, noting that players like Rafinha of Schalke were allowed to participate in the Olympics.

“That was out of general principle simply unacceptable to me,” Kompany said. “I made the decision after the game at the Hilton airport hotel. It was just a matter of principle. A lot of what happened before was great and I am grateful to the HSV, but I distinctly remember this time.”

The incident clearly still resonates with Kompany, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Saturday’s match. Hamburg, already facing an uphill battle against the reigning Bundesliga champions, now also face a coach with a personal vendetta stemming from his final appearance with the club, which also happens to be the last time that HSV actually managed to take any points from the Allianz Arena.

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