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Charlie Adam details Vincent Kompany influence as he tries to copy Bayern Munich boss in first shot at management

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Charlie Adam picked up tips from all the bosses he worked in his long playing career that he’s now using as a gaffer.

But few have had the same impact as Belgian legend Vincent Kompany. Adam was in awe as the former Manchester City hero waxed lyrical about his five years under boss Pep Guardiola.

Between his playing and management career, Adam had a spell at Burnley as Under-23s and loans coach, forming a strong bond with then Turf Moor gaffer Kompany. Now he’s in charge at Fleetwood, Adam is looking to apply those lessons to his charges at Highbury Stadium.

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He said: “I was fortunate to spend a lot of time in and around the first team with Kompany. I built up a relationship with him and his staff and became a link between the first team and the Under-23s. When I saw him work and how he spoke, how he planned, it was different to what I’d seen before.

“I took a lot away from that and still think how I can replicate his ideas within our group here. He had five years with Pep and the biggest thing he always said was that he wished he had worked with Pep earlier in his career. I wasn’t surprised when Bayern Munich came and took Vincent for the job.”

Adam has always wanted to become a boss and was a big student of the game as a player. He credits all of the coaches he has worked with – from John Brown at Rangers as a youngster to Liverpool’s Kenny Dalglish. He hopes that the grounding he received can set him up for his time in the dugout.

Adam said: “I always wanted to understand the game and was always asking questions. I always wanted to be a coach so you work towards it over the years. In terms of being able to talk within the group, it’s probably those leadership qualities I’ve used over my playing career that I’ve always thought you needed as a manager.”

His father, also Charlie, was a big influence in Adam’s career so it was a hard time for the former Scotland star, tragically losing his dad 12 years ago. And Adam’s mother Eleanor died in 2020. Adam hopes he is making his parents proud as he embarks on his new adventure.

He said: “I had a good playing career and I think my parents would be proud of me becoming the manager of a club. It’s about making sure you get better every day.

Fleetwood Town manager Charlie Adam before the match against Portsmouth, during the Sky Bet League One match at Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood. Picture date: Saturday January 20, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Fleetwood. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

"If you do that hopefully the rewards will come at the end of it.”

Even though he couldn’t save the Cod Army from relegation from League One last term, Adam didn’t have to think twice about taking the job. He said: “I’ve known the club for 15 years. I knew the processes of what was happening. The opportunity arose and I didn’t think twice.

“I felt that I could put my stamp on it but sadly it wasn’t enough and we were relegated. This year we’ve started okay, the club is in a good place and we’re trying to get the results now to warrant the performances.”