Vincent Kompany’s 20‑minute shower: the quiet pre‑match ritual

Vincent Kompany, the 40‑year‑old Bayern trainer, begins every match with a twenty‑minute shower, a ritual he describes as a moment of peace and silence that frames his pre‑game mindset. During the steam he reviews his talking points, ensuring the brief pause fuels his communication with the squad.

Shower as pre‑match ritual

posed the question, “Google-favoriet“Heb je een ritueel voor elke wedstrijd?”” and Kompany answered it on Bayern München’s YouTube‑kanaal. He laughed while reading the query, noting that the answer would not be the most obvious one.

“Een moment van rust en stilte.” Kompany said, emphasizing that the shower is less about getting fresh and more about a final mental run‑through before the team steps onto the pitch. He explained that while the players warm up, he steps into the shower for about twenty minutes.

As the Bayern‑trainer, Kompany uses that time to rehearse what he will say to the players and to consider the tactical nuances of the upcoming encounter. He called the routine a “moment vol gedachten,” a moment full of thoughts that prepares him for the match.

He confirmed he will keep the habit next Saturday when Bayern, the German champions, face Borussia Dortmund, the league’s second‑placed side, in the German Supercup. The ritual, therefore, will be part of his preparation for a trophy‑deciding clash.

After a successful season, Kompany now features in the top ten list of Europe’s best club coaches, a recognition that follows his calm and methodical approach at Bayern. He also recalled a bizarre training episode where Bayern recorded a 0‑15 win in a practice match, underscoring the varied moments he navigates as head coach.