Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was taken to hospital by ambulance on Friday after collapsing while watching the club’s second team train.
The 40-year-old Belgian had earlier overseen training for the first team ahead of their Bundesliga meeting with Freiburg on Sunday.
He was subsequently watching the club’s reserve side when he collapsed, prompting an emergency response at the training ground.
German newspaper BILD reported that a rescue helicopter landed at the facility.
Kompany was later transported to hospital by ambulance and was said to be in a stable condition.
The incident led to the training session being abandoned, with those present reportedly deeply affected by what had happened.
Bayern Confirm Kompany Is Under Medical Care
Bayern Munich confirmed that their head coach required medical attention following the incident and would remain in hospital for further examinations.
“Vincent Kompany had to seek medical treatment on Friday after collapsing during training for FC Bayern’s amateurs,” the club said in a statement.
“The first-team coach had been watching the second team’s session.
Kompany will undergo thorough examination in the hospital and remain in medical care.
For the time being, his coaching staff will manage training and match operations.”
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said the club’s priority was Kompany’s health and recovery.
“The health of Vincent Kompany is our utmost priority. At FC Bayern, we will do everything to ensure he recovers quickly,” Eberl said.
He added that Kompany was receiving the necessary medical care and support and would be given as much time as required to recover.
Eberl also confirmed that the coaching staff would assume Kompany’s responsibilities, expressing the club’s confidence in their ability to manage training and matches during his absence.
Viral Infection Had Left Kompany in Pain
Kompany had been dealing with a viral infection that reportedly aggravated problems involving old scar tissue, leaving him in pain and making it difficult for him to climb stairs.
His health had already become a concern in the build-up to Bayern’s Champions League match against Arsenal on Wednesday, when his assistant coach Aaron Danks provided an update on his condition.
Speaking on Tuesday, Danks confirmed that the illness had affected Kompany’s legs and caused him pain.
“The most important thing for him now is to rest and I don’t know if he will be ready tomorrow or in two or three days’ time,” Danks said.
He added that getting Kompany to rest was difficult because of his leadership responsibilities but stressed the importance of allowing him time to recover from the virus.
Kompany Admitted He Had Ignored Signs of Illness
Following Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday, Kompany acknowledged that he had continued working despite being unwell.
“As a coach, you always want to do everything and accomplish everything.
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 said, ‘Stop now!’” he said.
The Belgian had missed training sessions and a press conference ahead of the Arsenal fixture but was present on the touchline during the match.
He had also watched Bayern’s previous game, a 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig, from the bench.
However, he did not conduct interviews after that match.
Former Manchester City Captain Has Injury History
Kompany previously captained Manchester City during a successful period under manager Pep Guardiola, winning four Premier League titles with the English club.
His playing career was frequently interrupted by injuries, which regularly kept him out of action.
He moved to Bayern Munich in 2024 and has since won two Bundesliga titles with the German club.
England captain Harry Kane has been his leading attacking player during his time in Munich.
Kompany has three children with his wife, Carla, whom he met while living in Manchester.
Bayern’s Bundesliga and Champions League Campaign
Bayern Munich are top of the Bundesliga after recording four wins and two draws in their opening six league matches.
In the Champions League league phase, the German side sit 14th after registering one win and two draws.
Kompany’s medical situation comes ahead of Bayern’s scheduled Bundesliga clash against Freiburg on Sunday, with his coaching staff set to oversee the team’s training and match operations while he remains under medical care.
