Aaron Danks Leads Bayern Munich to Freiburg While Kompany Remains Hospitalized
The club's director of sport says the 40-year-old head coach is in stable condition but will be out for weeks, leaving the English assistant to guide the team in Sunday's league match.
By Alina Campbell ·
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is expected to miss several weeks of action as he continues to receive hospital treatment for a viral illness, the club announced on Saturday. The 40-year-old manager collapsed on the training pitch the previous day, prompting an extended absence from the dugout.
Max Eberl, the club's director of sport, updated reporters on Kompany's status during a news conference. Eberl described the manager's condition as stable but noted that medical examinations are still ongoing to determine the specific nature of the virus. He emphasized that the club has not established a precise timeline for his return, stating that the absence will be measured in weeks rather than days.
"Vinnie will be given all the time he needs. We're not starting to put together any timeframes," Eberl said. He explained that the club must first understand the medical issue before discussing recovery plans calmly.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks, who is from England, will take charge of the team for Sunday's Bundesliga match at Freiburg. Danks led the Saturday press conference in Kompany's place and confirmed that he spoke briefly with the former Belgium captain on Friday. The conversation was focused on health rather than tactics, according to Danks.
"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 added that the coaching staff would work together as a team to keep the club moving forward during Kompany's recovery.
Eberl said the club decided against requesting a postponement of the Freiburg fixture, viewing a strong on-field performance as the best way to support Kompany's recovery. He also confirmed that Germany captain Joshua Kimmich will miss the match, as he remains on bereavement leave since Tuesday. Kompany had returned to the bench for Wednesday's home game against Arsenal despite the virus, admitting afterward that he had ignored warning signs from his body.
Bayern enters Sunday's match as the defending Bundesliga champions, holding a one-point lead over Freiburg at the top of the table. The team's next competitive fixture is a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid in Madrid on November 3.
