Kompany's 20‑minute shower ritual shapes Bayern München's season start

Vincent Kompany, the Belgian head coach of Bayern München, has revealed a distinctive pre‑match ritual: a solitary shower lasting about 20 minutes while his squad warms up, giving him a moment of calm before the season opener on Friday 28 August against VfB Stuttgart.

De trainer steps away from the players before kickoff, often taking a shower as they train outside, which gives him roughly 20 minutes of personal time. He says the routine allows him to detach briefly from the group dynamics.

He tells the club channel Der Rekordmeister that the shower is not merely about freshness, but a final moment to think about what lies ahead. “Under the shower I have a last moment to reflect; it is not just showering, but also getting a feeling for what is coming,” Kompany said. “It is a moment of peace and silence, but also a moment full of thoughts.”

The ritual, he adds, helps him prepare calmly for what Bayern München will face in the match. Bayern’s campaign begins on Friday 28 August versus VfB Stuttgart, and Kompany uses the quiet time to ready himself for the challenges ahead.