Pep Guardiola and Roberto Martinez will take charge of the star-studded squads at Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match.

The duo have been confirmed as the coaches for next month’s event, with Guardiola set to manage the Manchester City Legends and Martinez responsible for the Premier League All-stars XI.

On what is set to be an incredible occasion for an incredible player, the two men in the dugouts represent important periods in our former captain’s career.

Under Guardiola, Kompany ensured his time at the Etihad Stadium ended in glory, winning six trophies in his final two seasons, while with Martinez, he helped Belgium to their best ever performance at a World Cup – a third-place finish at last summer’s tournament.

Having represented club and country with distinction for more than a decade, both managers expressed their delight at being involved in the game.

“To have the opportunity to manage the Manchester City Legends for this game is an honour and a privilege for me,” said Pep.

“Vincent’s place in the pantheon of City greats is secure and for me to have the chance to be so involved in his testimonial really means a lot.

“It was immediately clear to me when taking over at City just how important Vincent was to this football club.

“Everyone had already told me about his impact, but when I began working with him, I quickly realised the magnitude of his contribution. He was the leader in the dressing room and an inspiration on the field.



“For a decade, he was the soul of the football club. The City fans know better than me how much he means, but from my perspective he could not have done more to help us achieve success in my time here.

“He deserves all the respect and admiration we can give him, and I hope this testimonial goes some way to helping him realise how much we all admire and appreciate his contribution to Manchester City.”

Martinez echoed these sentiments, adding: “I am honoured to be involved in this special milestone in Vincent's career.



“He is a role model in Belgian football as a whole and his leadership, commitment and excellence in his work makes him a very unique footballer, who has inspired and will continue to inspire many a dressing room.

“He truly deserves this celebration on the occasion of his testimonial and I am very much looking forward to being part of it.”

With the first 13 players already confirmed, we know Guardiola will be in charge of a host of City fan favourites, including Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta amongst others.

Meanwhile, Martinez can call upon the services of Emile Heskey and Rafael van der Vaart, with more big names set to be announced in due course.

Kompany will grace the Etihad pitch for one final time in the sky-blue jersey on Wednesday 11 September at 7.45pm, as we give our legendary former skipper a fitting farewell.

Tickets are on sale now at mancity.com/tickets and all proceeds will go to Tackle4MCR – the initiative Vinnie set up with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to address rough sleeping and homelessness on the streets of our city.