BERLIN: Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was taken to hospital by an emergency medical team on Friday after collapsing during training, the club said.
“Vincent Kompany had to seek medical attention on Friday after collapsing during a training session with FC Bayern’s reserve team,” Bayern said on its website.
“Kompany is undergoing thorough examinations at the hospital and will remain under medical care.”
Kompany, the 40-year-old former Manchester City defender, missed training and a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Bayern’s Champions League match against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.
“I caught a pretty nasty virus last week, and of course I didn’t listen to my body — and then at some point my body just said, ‘enough is enough!’” Kompany said after the Arsenal match.
On Friday, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said the coach’s health “is our top priority”.
“We at FC Bayern will do everything we can to ensure he recovers quickly. Vinnie is receiving all the necessary medical care and support, as well as all the time he needs. His coaching staff, whom we trust completely, will take over his duties.”
English assistant coach Aaron Danks led training and handled the press conference ahead of the Arsenal match.
“It affected his legs at times; he was experiencing some pain. It’s just a virus. He needs rest,” Danks said on Tuesday.
“The most important thing we’re encouraging him to do right now is to rest and take as much time as he needs — no matter how long that may be.”
Bundesliga leaders Bayern visit Freiburg, who are third in the table, on Saturday.
Their next Champions League match is against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital on November 3.
The Spanish club posted its best wishes on social media.
“We wish you a speedy recovery. We hope to see you here in Madrid, on the bench, in a few days,” the club wrote, adding a heart emoji.
‘Friendly and approachable’
Kompany, a centre-back, began his career with Anderlecht in his native Brussels. He moved to Hamburg and then to Manchester City as one of the club’s last signings before the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008.
He went on to make 360 appearances for City, captaining the club for eight seasons as it became a dominant force in English football.
He made 89 appearances for Belgium and ended his playing career at Anderlecht in 2019, where he served as player-coach during the first of his three seasons in charge.
He took over at Burnley in 2022, leading the club to the Championship title in 2023 before they were relegated the following season with their lowest-ever points total.
Bayern, who had just endured a trophyless season and had been unable to persuade Thomas Tuchel to stay, sprang a surprise by paying Burnley to appoint Kompany as manager in 2024.
He led Bayern to the Bundesliga title in each of his first two seasons and to the German Cup in 2026. After six games, Bayern lead the table this season on goal difference. In 74 Bundesliga matches under Kompany, Bayern have won 57 and lost three.
Kompany completed an MBA at Manchester Business School in 2018.
“The way Vinnie combines coaching ability with personal qualities is extraordinary,” Eberl said recently.
“He is always friendly, open and approachable. Yet, he knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it done on the pitch.”