Bayern coach Vincent Kompany in hospital after collapsing at training
- Vincent Kompany collapsed while watching Bayern Munich's reserve team train on Friday and was taken to hospital.
- The club said the 40-year-old will undergo thorough examinations and stay under medical care.
- His coaching staff will handle training and match duties, including the coming Bundesliga trip to Freiburg.
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has been taken to hospital after collapsing at the club's training ground on Friday, the German champions said.
In a statement, Bayern said the 40-year-old Belgian was watching the reserve team train when he needed medical attention. He is now undergoing thorough examinations and will remain under medical care.
The club did not say what caused the collapse. Vanguard reported that Kompany had been battling a viral infection in recent days, and that a rescue helicopter was seen landing at Bayern's Säbener Straße complex. Sky Sports Germany, cited by Vanguard, said he was taken to a Munich hospital by ambulance.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said the club's focus is on the coach's recovery. "The health of Vincent Kompany is our utmost priority," he said. "All of us at FC Bayern wish Vinnie a speedy recovery."
Kompany had already been unwell before Friday. He missed training and a pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern's Champions League game against Arsenal, leaving assistant coach Aaron Danks to speak to the media.
"I caught a pretty nasty virus last week, and of course I didn't listen to my body," Kompany said after Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Danks had said getting the manager to rest was a challenge. "Getting Vince to rest is a challenge," he said.
What happens next
Bayern said Kompany's coaching staff will take charge of training and match operations for now. Eberl said the assistants have the club's full trust and Kompany will get "all the time he needs."
The Bundesliga leaders are due to play Freiburg in the Bundesliga. The sources differ on the day: Vanguard and BusinessDay say Sunday, while Channels TV says Saturday. Kompany's availability is uncertain, and his coaching staff are expected to oversee preparations and matchday duties in his absence.
Kompany took over at Bayern in May 2024 after leaving Burnley, succeeding Thomas Tuchel. He reclaimed the Bundesliga title in his debut season, according to Channels TV. BusinessDay reported that he has since led the club to consecutive Bundesliga titles. BusinessDay also said he guided Bayern to the semi-finals of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
For Nigerian fans who follow the Bundesliga and the Champions League, the immediate question is who will be in the dugout this weekend. The club has not said when Kompany might return.
