Bundesliga has always been home to world-class managerial talent, and recent salary figures underscore that elite coaching comes at a premium. According to Sport Bild, Bayern Munich’s Vincent Kompany now commands the highest paycheck among Bundesliga tacticians, surpassing both seasoned veterans and rising stars.
Meanwhile, new Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag, freshly appointed to build upon the club’s recent domestic dominance, sits just behind Kompany on the salary table.
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Vincent Kompany Leads with Record-Breaking Earnings
After succeeding Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, Vincent Kompany has become the Bundesliga’s top-paid coach, reportedly earning between €7 million and €8 million annually. The Belgian’s leadership has already been put to the test at the Club World Cup, where his side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Benfica.
Speaking after the game, Kompany told DAZN: “It’s football. If you have chances and don’t take them, you pay the price… [against Flamengo] it’s going to be a tough game. We know we can create chances.” Despite the loss, Bayern remain strong contenders both domestically and in Europe under Kompany’s stewardship.
Erik ten Hag Begins New Leverkusen Chapter
Coming in second is Erik ten Hag, who joined Bayer Leverkusen this summer after leaving Manchester United. He is set to earn €5.5 million per year, reflecting Leverkusen’s ambition to maintain their upward trajectory.
Ten Hag’s arrival marks a new era for the club, which recently won the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso before his departure.
Bundesliga’s Coaching Pay Scale: Who Else Makes the List?
Third on the earnings chart is Borussia Dortmund’s Niko Kovač, drawing €4 million per year. Despite the club’s fluctuating form, Kovač’s reputation as a stabilizing force and his prior experience with Bayern Munich secure his place among the league’s elite.
In fourth place, Sebastian Hoeneß, who masterminded Stuttgart’s DFB Pokal triumph, earns €3.5 million. The club extended his contract during the March international break, signaling full faith in his long-term vision.
Surprisingly, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Gerardo Seoane rounds out the top five, pulling in €3.2 million annually, despite modest finishes of 14th and 10th. The Swiss coach’s high salary might explain the board’s hesitation in making a change, even amid fan frustration.
How the New Hires Stack Up
Among the newly appointed Bundesliga coaches, Ole Werner of RB Leipzig commands the highest salary at €2.5 million, followed by Sandro Wagner (Augsburg, €1.6 million), Paul Simonis (Wolfsburg, €1.5 million), Lukas Kwasniok (1. FC Köln, €1.2 million), and Horst Steffen (Werder Bremen, €1.1 million). Wagner, notably, will triple his previous salary with the DFB in his new Augsburg role.
Bayern Slip Up in Club World Cup as Benfica Make History
Despite their domestic dominance and a high-earning head coach, Bayern Munich faltered in the Club World Cup group stage, falling to Benfica 1-0 in blistering conditions. Andreas Schjelderup scored the match-winner in the 13th minute, capitalizing on Bayern’s defensive lapse.
Kompany admitted the conditions hampered their performance: “I think our first half wasn’t good at all. With the pitch and the heat, I just feared this wouldn’t go as fluid as normal.”
Joshua Kimmich’s equalizer was disallowed for offside, while Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin was crucial in preserving the win. “It was a good game against an amazing team, it was not only me, it was the whole team,” Trubin said after receiving the Man of the Match award.
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FAQs
Who is the highest-paid coach in the Bundesliga?
Vincent Kompany of Bayern Munich, earning €7-8 million annually.
What is Erik ten Hag’s salary at Bayer Leverkusen?
He earns around €5.5 million per year.
Who is the most surprising name in the top five earners?
Gerardo Seoane of Borussia Mönchengladbach, despite lackluster finishes.
Which new Bundesliga coach earns the most?
Ole Werner of RB Leipzig, at €2.5 million annually.
What did Kompany say after Bayern’s loss to Benfica?
He acknowledged the heat affected their game and that missed chances cost them.
