Bayern Munich: Deputy Danks Prepares Freiburg Match as Kompany Remains Hospitalized

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany will remain in hospital for an extended period to treat a virus, according to the club's announcement on Saturday. The 40-year-old collapsed on the training pitch the day before, prompting the postponement of the team's second division match that same evening.

Director of Sport Max Eberl addressed reporters to confirm Kompany is in a stable condition. He noted that examinations are ongoing to identify the specific nature of the illness. Eberl emphasized that the club has not set a specific recovery timeline and that the absence is measured in weeks rather than days. "Vinnie will be given all the time he needs. We're not starting to put together any timeframes," Eberl said.

English assistant coach Aaron Danks, who led the Saturday news conference, will take charge of the first team for Sunday's Bundesliga fixture at Freiburg. Danks explained that he spoke briefly with Kompany on Friday. "I explained to him that we wouldn't be having no football conversations. It was just checking in on his health and making sure he's OK," Danks said. He added that all football operations are now in the hands of the coaching staff.

Eberl stated that the club did not seek to postpone the Sunday match. He argued that a strong performance and a positive result would be the best way to support Kompany's recovery. "That would probably be one of the best things we could do to help him recover," he said. Danks also confirmed that Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, who has been on bereavement leave since Tuesday, will sit out the Freiburg game.

Kompany returned to the dugout for Wednesday's home match against Arsenal despite missing the pre-match press conference due to the virus. He admitted afterward that he ignored warning signs. "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!'

The defending champions currently lead the Bundesliga table by one point over Freiburg. Their next competition fixture is scheduled for November 3 in Madrid against Atletico.