Kompany recovery will take ‘weeks’ as tests continue

Bayern Munich's head coach Vincent Kompany is expected to require "weeks" of recovery after collapsing at the club's training ground on Friday, according to the club's director of sport Max Eberl. The 40-year-old defender, who remains in a stable condition in the hospital, is undergoing ongoing examinations. Eberl stated that Bayern had considered postponing Sunday's Bundesliga game against Freiburg, but believed Kompany's best course of action would be to "play and be successful."

Eberl emphasized that Kompany would be given all the time needed for his recovery, and that they would not be discussing specific timeframes. The coach had been unwell with a virus, which had caused him to miss the pre-match news conference on Tuesday for Bayern's Champions League match against Arsenal. Kompany was on the touchline for Wednesday's match, leading to questions about whether his return to the sidelines should have been delayed.

Eberl defended the decision, stating that they protect their coaches wherever possible and that it is everyone's responsibility to listen to their body's signals. Kompany spent 11 years at Manchester City, winning multiple titles before moving to Burnley, where he helped them secure the 2022-23 Championship. He joined Bayern in May 2024 and has led them to consecutive Bundesliga titles.

Kompany's assistant, Aaron Danks, has been in constant communication with the coach in the hospital, offering support and ensuring that football operations continue to progress seamlessly.