Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was discharged on Wednesday and is recovering from meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain. Doctors have prescribed strict rest and home treatment with medication, and the club confirmed he has been released from hospital care.
Kompany collapsed during training last week and was taken to hospital. According to available information, he felt unwell last Friday while observing a training session for one of Bayern's other teams, after which he was urgently transferred to hospital. He was subsequently diagnosed with meningitis. Prior to his health issues, he had continued working despite a viral infection, reportedly often neglecting rest and sleep due to late-night video analysis and match preparations.
Doctors have banned him from engaging in football matters, including discussions about football, tactics and the team. The ban applies even if Kompany initiates such topics himself, and he must stay away from all football-related subjects, even in conversations with his closest colleagues.
Kompany's assistant Aaron Danks has temporarily taken over the management of the team. At a press conference on Friday, he was asked whether he spoke with Kompany about tactical ideas, match analyses or the selection of the starting lineup. "No, absolutely not. Under no circumstances," Danks replied. He stated that Max and Christoph had given him clear instructions not to enter into such discussions at all, referring to sporting director Max Eberl and chief executive Christoph Freund.
Danks emphasised that Vince's focus must be solely on his own health and time spent with his family. "We are very serious about this," he said, adding that everyone in the club would strictly adhere to the decision. They want Kompany to rest and recover properly so that, when he returns, he is fully healthy and ready to help in the best possible way. Football is currently completely excluded from every conversation, Danks stated.
It is not known when Kompany will return to the dugout, and a return date has not yet been set. Bayern play Borussia Dortmund in a German league derby on Saturday, with kick-off at 18:30. After that, the Bavarians face an away trip to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, where Kompany is also not expected. The club does not want to risk his health and has made it clear that he will return to work only when he is fully ready.
Kompany took over Bayern in the summer of 2024 and during that period won both German titles as well as the Cup last season. In the Champions League, he reached the semi-finals, where he was eliminated by eventual champions PSG on an aggregate score of 6:5. Kompany is 40 years old.
