BERLIN, Germany (AFP)—Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was taken to hospital by an emergency medical team on Friday after collapsing during training, the club said.

“Vincent Kompany had to seek medical attention on Friday after collapsing during a training session with FC Bayern’s reserve team,” Bayern said on their website.

“Kompany is undergoing thorough examinations at the hospital and will remain under medical care.”

Kompany, the 40-year-old former Manchester City defender, missed training and a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Bayern’s Champions League draw against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.

“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, ‘enough is enough!'” Kompany said after the Arsenal game.

On Friday, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl said the health of their coach “is our top priority”.

“We at FC Bayern will do everything we can to ensure he recovers quickly. Vinnie is receiving all the necessary medical care and support, as well as all the time he needs. His coaching staff, whom we trust completely, will take over his duties.”

English assistant coach Aaron Danks took training and handled the press conference ahead of the Arsenal game.

“It affected his legs at times; he was experiencing some pain. It’s just a virus. He needs rest,” Danks said on Tuesday.

“The most important thing we’re encouraging him to do right now is to rest and take as much time as he needs—no matter how long that may be.”

Bundesliga leaders Bayern visit Freiburg, who are third in the table, on Saturday.

Their next Champions League match is on November 3 in Madrid against Atletico.

The Spanish club posted their best wishes on social media.

“We wish you a speedy recovery. We hope to see you here in Madrid, on the bench, in a few days,” wrote the Spanish club adding a heart emoji.

– ‘Friendly and approachable’-
Kompany, a centre back, started his career with Anderlecht in his native Brussels. He moved to Hamburg and then to Manchester City as one of the club’s last signings before the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008.

He went on to play 360 games for the club, where he was also captain for eight season as the team became the dominant force in English football.

He played 89 times for Belgium and finished his playing career back at Anderlecht in 2019 where he was player-coach in the first of his three seasons in charge

He took over at Burnley in 2022, leading them to a Championship title in 2023 but the club was relegated the next season with their lowest ever points total.

Bayern, who had just endured a trophyless season and had been unable to persuade Thomas Tuchel to stay, sprung a surprise by paying Burnley to sign Kompany as manager in 2024.

He led the club two the Bundesliga title each of his first two seasons and to a German Cup in 2026. After six games, Bayern lead the table this season on goal difference. In 74 Bundesliga games under Kompany, Bayern have won 57 and lost three.

Kompany completed an MBA at Manchester Business School in 2018.

“The way Vinnie combines coaching ability with personal qualities is extraordinary,” Eberl said recently.

“He is always friendly, open, and approachable. Yet, he knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it done on the pitch,”