The key facts

  • Vincent Kompany was hospitalized after fainting at a training session of Bayern Munich's reserve team
  • A week before the incident, the coach had suffered a viral infection and missed work ahead of the match against Arsenal
  • Sporting director Max Eberl said the coach's health is the club's priority, and his duties will temporarily be taken over by the coaching staff

Fainting at the training ground

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany lost consciousness on Friday at the club's Sabener Strasse training ground in Munich and was taken to hospital. According to the club, the incident occurred after he had been observing a training session of the reserve team. According to the German newspaper Bild, a rescue helicopter landed at the training complex. The club said Kompany is undergoing thorough examinations in hospital and will remain under medical observation.

A week after a viral infection

The incident happened a few days after Kompany returned to training work. A week earlier, it was reported that he was suffering from a viral infection that affected his legs, which cast doubt on his participation in the Champions League match against Arsenal. On Tuesday, he missed the training session and the press conference before that game, which ended in a draw at the Allianz Arena, but then appeared for the match and returned to work. 'I caught a pretty nasty virus last week, and, of course, I didn't listen to my body — and at some point my body just said: enough!' Kompany said after the game against Arsenal.

The club's reaction

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl said on Friday that the coach's health 'is our top priority.' 'At FC Bayern we will do everything possible so that he recovers quickly. Vinny is receiving all the necessary medical care and support, as well as all the time he needs. His coaching staff, whom we fully trust, will take over his duties,' AFP quoted Eberl as saying.

About the coach and upcoming matches

The 40-year-old Kompany is a former Manchester City defender and former captain of the Belgium national team. He began his coaching career six years ago and took charge of Bayern Munich in May 2024. The club, which leads the Bundesliga, is due to play Freiburg on Saturday.