'Vincent Kompany was very important to my development' - RB Leipzig's Maxime Estève
New RB Leipzig signing Maxime Estève has hailed Vincent Kompany's influence on his career, describing the Bayern Munich boss as instrumental in his development during their time together at Burnley.
The French centre-back completed his move to Leipzig this summer, and is set for an early reunion with his former coach when Die Roten Bullen face Bundesliga and DFB Cup holders Bayern in a pre-season friendly on 15 August.
"Kompany was very important to my development," Estève told media on Monday, having played under the Belgian during the second half of the 2023/24 Premier League season. "I learnt a lot from him, particularly when it comes to defence. I have great respect for him."
Following Burnley's relegation from the Premier League, Estève said the chance to join Leipzig was one he could not pass up – especially with the club back in the UEFA Champions League after finishing third in the Bundesliga last term. The 24-year-old is also embracing the competition for places within the squad.
"RB Leipzig are a big club with big ambitions. I'm delighted to be able to play at such a high level – in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League.
"If you want to play for a big club, there are lots of top players. Everyone has to fight for their place in the team, and I'm here to do that."
Estève will now work under another former top-level defender in Martín Demichelis, who was appointed Leipzig head coach in July after the club parted ways with Ole Werner. The Frenchman believes the ex-Bayern centre-back's approach to man-management will help bring the best out of the squad.
"He's very close to the players," Estève explained. "I think that's very important. If, as a coach, you're close to your players, you can instil more confidence in them."
Leipzig begin their competitive campaign away to fourth-tier Eintracht Trier in the first round of the DFB Cup on 22 August, before hosting Borussia Mönchengladbach a week later on Bundesliga Matchday 1.
