Vincent Kompany has returned to work at Bayern Munich after more than two weeks on the sidelines. The 40-year-old Belgian visited the club’s Säbener Straße training complex on Tuesday morning and resumed some of his duties on site for the first time since his health scare. His return marks an important step in his recovery, although he is not yet back in full charge of the team.
Kompany back in his office for the first time
According to media reports, Kompany was already at his desk by around 10 a.m. on Tuesday. He attended to administrative matters and held a lengthy conversation with sporting director Christoph Freund. His assistant Floribert Ngalula also visited him in his office.
The Belgian had been recovering at home on medical advice following his discharge from hospital. Bayern were determined to give their head coach sufficient time to regain his health. He now appears to be taking the first steps towards a gradual return to his normal working routine. It remains unclear when Kompany will be able to lead training sessions again.
The 23 October collapse: what we know so far
Kompany collapsed at Bayern’s training ground on 23 October while watching the reserve team train after a session with the first-team squad. An emergency doctor was called, and the coach was subsequently taken to hospital.
Medical examinations revealed irritation of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Kompany had already been struggling with a persistent viral infection before the incident. He was discharged from hospital on 28 October.
Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, confirmed at the time that Kompany could continue his recovery at home, with rest and medication forming the basis of his treatment. Meningeal irritation should not be confused with meningitis, although the two conditions have sometimes been conflated in public discussion.
Hoeneß raises concerns over Kompany’s workload
Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß expressed confidence on Sunday, speaking to Bavarian broadcaster BR, that Kompany could soon return to the dugout. He expects the Belgian to be back following the current international break.
That would make 20 November a possible comeback date, when Bayern host 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga. However, Kompany has not yet received official medical clearance.
Hoeneß also addressed the coach’s demanding working schedule. According to the Bayern figurehead, Kompany typically works twelve hours a day, six days a week. Hoeneß believes the heavy workload, combined with a lingering bout of flu, may have contributed to his health problems.
Eberl, however, had previously warned against attributing the illness to the pressures of professional football. There is no medically established link between Kompany’s workload and his meningeal irritation.
Danks keeps Bayern on track during Kompany’s absence
Assistant coach Aaron Danks took charge of the team during Kompany’s absence. Bayern remained unbeaten across five competitive matches under the Englishman’s guidance, recording four wins and a draw.
Their results included a 2-0 Champions League victory away to Atlético Madrid and a 2-1 Bundesliga win over Mainz in their most recent outing. Bayern also maintained their position at the top of the league table and progressed to the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal.
Danks had spoken of encouraging telephone conversations with Kompany ahead of the Mainz match. On Tuesday, he praised the unity within the club in an Instagram post and expressed his delight at the prospect of welcoming the head coach back.
Xavi Hernández opens up about the pressures of management
Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández has also commented on Kompany’s illness. The former Barcelona manager was asked about his colleague ahead of the Nations League encounter with Greece and reflected on the psychological demands of coaching.
Xavi acknowledged that both club and international managers face considerable pressure, which can even affect their sleep. “Sometimes it’s difficult to fall asleep,” the 46-year-old admitted.
He wished Kompany a full recovery and praised the work he has done at Bayern Munich.
Köln clash could mark Kompany’s return
Kompany has ten days before Bayern face Köln on 20 November, giving him an opportunity to ease himself back into his normal working routine. Whether he will actually be on the touchline depends on medical clearance. Five days later, Bayern face Lille in the Champions League.
