Anderlecht part Kompany with head coach as Man City great reportedly agrees Burnley move

Manchester City great Vincent Kompany has left his post as Anderlecht head coach amid reports linking him with the vacant manager’s position at Burnley.

Kompany returned to Anderlecht – whose academy he was a graduate of – in 2019 in a player-manager capacity as the club looked to rebuild, though he soon switched focus to playing duties.

A year later, in August 2020, he was appointed as the club’s head coach after bringing his playing days to a close.

Anderlecht could only finish as high as fourth in the 2020-21 Belgian Pro League season, before ending the 2021-22 campaign third.

Although Kompany signed a four-year deal in 2020, he leaves the club having failed to win Anderlecht a first league title since 2016-17, with Club Brugge winning four out of a possible five.

Anderlecht insisted Kompany’s departure was a “mutual” decision.

A statement read: “The club and the coach have analysed the past season and discussed the plans for the future. The two parties have decided to part ways in mutual consent. This decision was taken with a lot of mutual respect and gratitude for everything that has been achieved together.

Vincent Kompany en RSC Anderlecht gaan in onderling overleg uit elkaar. Merci pour tout, Vincent. https://t.co/RaGazs9VIa pic.twitter.com/56PZPSSMJn

— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) May 25, 2022

“The club wishes Vincent Kompany all the best in his further career as a coach. He was, is and will remain an icon of the club and will always find a home at Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht.”

Kompany added: “Today only one feeling prevails: I am proud that I was able to start this new chapter at the club of my heart.

“I have now been a player and a coach of RSC Anderlecht, but above all I remain a loyal fan.”

Widespread reports earlier on Wednesday suggested Kompany has already secured his next job, with a move back to English football seemingly on the cards.

Burnley brought Sean Dyche’s 10-year tenure to an end in April as they looked to stave off relegation from the Premier League.

Caretaker manager Mike Jackson initially inspired an improvement, but it was not enough as they ultimately dropped back to the second tier for the first time since 2015-16.