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Vincent Kompany’s collapse on Friday has prompted a number of coaches across German football to reflect on the demands of their profession while sending their best wishes to the Bayern Munich head coach. Kompany collapsed while watching Bayern’s reserve team train at the Säbener Straße on Friday and was subsequently taken to hospital.
Having struggled with a viral infection since the previous weekend, Kompany was initially considered doubtful for Bayern’s Champions League fixture against Arsenal on Wednesday. The Bayern coach nevertheless returned to the touchline and handled the club’s post-match media duties.
Bayern have confirmed that the 40-year-old is in a stable condition and will remain under medical supervision while further examinations are carried out. Board Member for Sport Max Eberl has indicated that Kompany’s absence is likely to be measured in weeks rather than days.
Several of Kompany’s coaching colleagues addressed the situation before or after their Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga fixtures this weekend. Kicker and the Deutsche Presse-Agentur collected a number of their reactions.
Miroslav Klose (1. FC Nürnberg)
“I was shocked too. It’s not easy to look after yourself as a coach, because we’re all stubborn. We have to carve out free time for ourselves to clear our heads. I notice it myself: I have one day a week where I really try to leave a little earlier. But I don’t always manage it.”
Miron Muslic (Schalke 04)
“I know it. The day is sometimes very, very long. Our job is very demanding. That’s why — as we say in Austria — ‘coaching hygiene’ is very important. I wish Vincent all the very best. I hope it’s nothing too serious and that we see him back on the touchline soon.”
Niko Kovac (Borussia Dortmund)
“The important thing in this phase is to give him peace and quiet. He needs the time. We all know how exhausting a coaching job like this is.”
Daniel Thioune (Werder Bremen)
“I used a moment in the dressing room before the game to send him a message. After the final whistle, I saw that he had already replied. That shows that he’s probably already doing a little better.
“From my side, only the very best wishes. We’re opponents so often, but as coaching colleagues we also stick together and know that health is our most valuable asset.”
Thioune’s comments underlined the sense of solidarity among coaches despite the competitive nature of their work.
Martin Demichelis (RB Leipzig)
“As coaches, we think 24 hours a day about what we can improve. Our heads probably work far too much. He’s a tough guy as well and has an incredible personality and a lot of passion. I wish him rest and a speedy recovery.”
Urs Fischer (1. FSV Mainz 05)
“Of course you notice something like that. It’s not nice, but it’s part of life. At this point, I wish Vincent a speedy recovery and send my best wishes to Munich. I hope he comes back as quickly as possible.”
