Bayern Munich insiders had expressed concern for Vincent Kompany weeks before their manager’s collapse at the club’s training ground, a new report has revealed.
Kompany, 40, was rushed to hospital on Friday after collapsing while watching the second team training. He had earlier taken training for the first team ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Freiburg on Sunday.
The session was then abandoned, BILD said, with those present said to be ‘deeply affected’ by the incident.
The Man City legend has been suffering from a viral infection which is said to have caused problems with old scar tissue in his hip, leaving him in pain and with difficulties climbing stairs.
Kompany, who won four Premier League titles while captain at the Etihad Stadium, is understood to be in a stable condition.
According to BILD, several figures at the German giants had noted the ‘workaholic’ Belgian’s lack of work-life balance, claiming he was getting too little sleep, eating irregularly, barely exercising, drinking excessive amounts of coffee, and taking on too much work.
Bayern Munich insiders were reportedly worried about Vincent Kompany before his collapse
Kompany is pictured with his wife Carla at Oktoberfest in Munich last month
After Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League, Kompany admitted that he hadn’t listened to his body while battling his viral infection.
‘As a coach, you always want to do everything. 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: ‘That’s enough!”
Kompany is deeply embedded in the entire football operation at Bayern Munich, with the report adding that he has been the driving force behind the construction of new XXL privacy screens at the training ground to prevent outsiders from spying on sessions.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks will be standing in for Kompany for Sunday’s game, but suspects it will be difficult to force his boss to take an extended break.
‘It’s really not easy to get Vincent to rest,’ he said. ‘That’s a challenge – you know him as a person! He’s a true leader and works hard. But he has a virus, and it’s important that he rests.’
Kompany had been spectating the reserve taam with their new coach Dante, 43, before collapsing 20 minutes into the session.
It is understood that most players were back in the changing rooms when the incident occurred but those who witnessed it were shaken, and the reserve team’s game against DJK Vilzing on Saturday has been called off.
Kompany’s viral infection caused issues with his hip that left him struggling to stand for long periods of time and was thoroughly examined by team medical staff earlier in the week and was given a pill by one of the doctors early on in the game against Arsenal.
BILD claim insiders noted Kompany’s lack of work-life balance leading up to the episode
Bayern said in a statement: ‘Vincent Kompany had to seek medical treatment on Friday after collapsing during training for FC Bayern’s amateurs.
‘The first-team coach had been watching the second team’s session. Kompany will undergo thorough examination in the hospital and remain in medical care. For the time being, his coaching staff will manage training and match operations.’
Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, added: ‘The health of Vincent Kompany is our utmost priority. At FC Bayern, we will do everything to ensure he recovers quickly.
‘Vinnie is receiving all necessary medical care and support, as well as all the time he needs. His coaching team, which we fully trust, will take over his duties. All of us at FC Bayern wish Vinnie a speedy recovery.’
Kompany’s former club Manchester City were among those to send a message of support to the Belgian following the incident. City wrote on X: ‘Everyone at Manchester City is wishing a speedy recovery to our former captain and Club legend, Vincent Kompany. Get well soon, Vinny.’
The Belgian was captain of Man City during some of their most successful years under Pep Guardiola but was regularly ruled out through injuries.
Kompany moved to Munich in 2024 and has won two Bundesliga titles with England captain Harry Kane as his star player in attack. He has three children with wife Carla, who he met in Manchester.
His viral infection was the talk of the build-up before Wednesday’s Champions League match.
Kompany’s assistant coach Aaron Danks said on Tuesday: ‘It has affected his legs, yes. He has had pain in his legs.
‘The most important thing for him now is to rest and I don’t know if he will be ready tomorrow or in two or three days’ time.
‘Getting him to rest is hard. He’s a leader. But it’s a virus and it’s really important that he rests.’
Bayern are top of Germany’s Bundesliga after four wins and two draws in their opening six matches. They lie 14th in the Champions League’s league phase after a win and two draws.
