Bayern Munich put Vincent Kompany’s recovery first after sudden collapse

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is expected to be absent for several weeks after suffering a sudden health problem that required his urgent transfer to a hospital in Munich.

The 40-year-old Belgian fell ill while watching the club’s Under-23 side train on Friday, with the team being led by Dante. Kompany had also attended part of the first-team session earlier in the day.

Emergency medical teams were called to the scene before a helicopter was used to take him to hospital, causing considerable concern within the club. Initial reports, however, said Kompany’s condition was stable.

Max Eberl, Bayern Munich’s sporting director, said the manager’s recovery period would last longer than a few days.

“It will not be a matter of days, but weeks,” Eberl told Sky Sport Germany.

Eberl added that Kompany would remain in hospital for several days. He said he had spoken to both the manager and his wife after the incident to check on his condition.

Bayern Munich are not prepared to take risks with Kompany’s health and intend to give him the time needed to recover and complete the necessary medical examinations. The club has not set a date for his return to the touchline.

The latest incident follows a period in which Kompany had already been affected by a viral infection and pain in his hip. Those problems caused him to miss some training sessions and one news conference.

The precise cause of the latest health issue remains unknown while further medical tests are carried out.

Danks to take charge in Kompany’s absence

Assistant manager Aaron Danks will oversee the team during Kompany’s absence, beginning with Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga match against Freiburg this weekend.

Danks has previously taken temporary charge of the side. He stood in for Kompany during Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain last season.

Bayern Munich face important fixtures during the period, but the club does not intend to put pressure on Kompany to return before he is fully fit.

The priority remains his complete recovery before he considers resuming his coaching duties.