Bayern coach Vincent Kompany collapses, faces weeks out

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany collapsed on Friday evening at the club's training ground on Säbener Straße and was taken to a Munich hospital by ambulance. The 40-year-old had been watching the U23 training session after the professional team's final practice ahead of Sunday's Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg.

Sporting director Max Eberl said Kompany is stable and spoke with him and his wife on Friday evening. Eberl added that Kompany will remain in hospital for several more days for checks, and that the cause of the collapse has not yet been determined.

“We will not talk about days, we will talk about weeks. That must be clear to all of us.”

Eberl indicated the absence will be measured in weeks rather than days. Assistant coach Aaron Danks will take charge for the Freiburg game, with Eberl and Danks holding the pre-match press conference instead of Kompany.

Kompany had mentioned after Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal that he was suffering from a virus and had not listened to his body. Eberl said doctors are still investigating whether there is a connection between the virus and the collapse.

Eberl described Kompany as an incredible worker and said the club must protect him to some extent from himself. The club stated it will stand together as a family and be there for one another.

Further examinations are required before clear statements can be made about Kompany's condition and return timeline.