Dyche slams Kompany: '127 million, 24 points, and Bayern appoint him'

Sean Dyche, one of English football's most recognizable managerial figures, has been relatively quiet since his departure from Everton, but he made headlines again with some pointed remarks about his successor at Burnley, Vincent Kompany.

Speaking on his newly launched radio program on talkSPORT, Dyche didn’t hold back when discussing the circumstances surrounding his tenure at Burnley and the stark contrast between his managerial path and that of Kompany.

Dyche, who spent nearly a decade at Burnley and became a club legend at Turf Moor, reflected on the challenges he faced during his time in charge. “When we got promoted, they invested all the money into new training facilities,” he explained. “I spent around nine million pounds on new players, and we were relegated with 35 points. That’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s the reality I worked with.”

His comments paint the picture of a manager who operated under strict financial constraints, prioritizing sustainability and long-term development over big spending in the transfer market. It’s a philosophy that endeared him to Burnley fans but didn’t always produce results in a league as competitive as the Premier League. Still, Dyche’s Burnley was known for being organized, tough to beat, and punching above its weight even securing European football at one point.

But while Dyche saw his tenure end with relegation and a period of unemployment, Vincent Kompany, who took over following Burnley's drop from the Premier League, has had a very different trajectory and that’s exactly what baffles Dyche.

“Kompany? I think they finished with 24 points under him. And he spent 127 million,” Dyche said incredulously. “And he gets appointed by Bayern! Come on. I’ve no idea how that works, but I wish I’d done that put the club in debt and get rewarded with the Bayern job. Life can be strange.”

It was a stinging critique not just of Kompany’s record, but of what Dyche seems to perceive as a modern trend in football: style and profile sometimes trumping substance and results. While Dyche is a seasoned Premier League manager with a reputation for overachievement on a shoestring budget, Kompany a relatively young and inexperienced coach has landed one of the most prestigious jobs in world football despite a rough campaign with Burnley.

Kompany’s appointment at Bayern Munich raised eyebrows across Europe, particularly given that his Burnley side struggled mightily in the Premier League. Despite backing in the transfer market and a strong showing in the Championship the season prior, Kompany’s side failed to adapt to top-flight football and were relegated after a disappointing season.

To Dyche, this is emblematic of a larger disconnect between performance and opportunity. “It used to be about what you’ve done the results you’ve earned, the situations you’ve overcome,” he continued. “Now, it seems to be about something else. Maybe it’s connections, maybe it’s image, I don’t know. But you can’t help but scratch your head when you look at some of these appointments.”

Dyche’s frustrations also highlight the growing divide between traditional English managers and the newer wave of foreign coaches who are often fast-tracked into elite roles. While Dyche built his reputation over years of steady work, often in challenging circumstances, others seem to ascend rapidly based on potential, playing career, or tactical ideas even if the results don’t quite match.

Despite the sting in his words, there’s also a trace of humour and self-awareness in Dyche’s delivery. “I’m not bitter,” he joked on air. “Well, maybe just a little. But seriously good luck to him. He’s got the job now, and I hope he proves everyone right. But don’t expect me not to raise an eyebrow when I see someone relegated with 24 points and then ending up at Bayern Munich.”

As Dyche contemplates his next step in management, his remarks may resonate with many in the footballing world especially those who feel that results and merit have taken a back seat to marketability and image. For now, he remains a strong voice in football punditry, but few would be surprised to see him back in the dugout soon perhaps with something to prove.