Bayern Munich Deputy Danks to Coach Freiburg Match While Kompany Recovers in Hospital

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is hospitalized with a virus and will be sidelined for several weeks, the club announced on Saturday. Sport director Max Eberl stated that Kompany is in stable condition, but medical examinations are ongoing to determine the specific nature of the illness.

Kompany collapsed on the training pitch on Friday, prompting the postponement of the club’s second-team match that same day. Although he coached Wednesday’s home victory over Arsenal, Eberl noted that Kompany had missed the pre-match press conference due to the virus. Kompany later admitted he had ignored early symptoms. "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!'", he said.

Eberl emphasized that the club is not setting a specific return timeline. "Vinnie will be given all the time he needs. We're not starting to put together any timeframes," Eberl said. He added that the absence will be measured in weeks rather than days, and the staff needs to understand the problem before discussing recovery.

Assistant coach Aaron Danks will take charge for Sunday’s Bundesliga match at Freiburg. Danks, an Englishman who led the Saturday press conference, said he spoke briefly with Kompany on Friday. "I explained to him that we wouldn't be having no football conversations. It was just checking in on his health and making sure he's OK," Danks said. He confirmed that all football operations remain in the hands of the current staff.

Germany national team captain Joshua Kimmich will miss the Freiburg game after being on bereavement leave since Tuesday. Eberl said the club decided against seeking a postponement for the league fixture. He argued that a strong performance and a positive result would be the best way to support Kompany’s recovery.

Bayern Munich enters Sunday’s match as the Bundesliga leader, holding a one-point advantage over Freiburg. The team’s next competitive fixture is scheduled for November 3 against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.