Bayern Munich have decided to keep coach Vincent Kompany out of the preparations for Saturday’s Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund after his sudden collapse and subsequent hospitalization last week. Assistant coach Aaron Danks confirmed that the club has issued explicit instructions to refrain from involving Kompany in any discussions about the match, despite his discharge from the hospital and return to home recovery.
Danks, who led the team to a 6‑1 victory over Magdeburg in the German Cup earlier in the week, said that the decision was made to allow Kompany to focus on his health and spend time with his family. “We don’t talk to him about football. We’ve been given clear instructions there,” he explained. “He needs to recover and spend time with his family. We’re not getting him involved so he can be fully back at it when he returns.” The assistant coach added that the rest of the coaching staff possess complementary skills, ensuring that the team’s training programme remains stable in Kompany’s absence.
The match against Dortmund is expected to see striker Harry Kane return to the field after being awarded the Ballon d’Or on Monday. Danks noted that the overall approach to training has not changed significantly, emphasizing that the coaching team’s collective expertise will carry the squad through the fixture. Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, told German broadcaster ARD that Kompany had been treated for meningeal irritation—a condition involving inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain or spinal cord. Prior to the collapse, Kompany had also been dealing with a viral infection and a hip injury.
With Kompany sidelined, Bayern’s management has placed confidence in the remaining coaching staff to maintain the team’s performance level. The club’s priority remains Kompany’s full recovery, with the expectation that he will rejoin the squad once he has fully recuperated. The outcome of the Klassiker will be closely watched, as Bayern aim to secure another point in the race for the Bundesliga title while ensuring their coaching structure remains resilient in the face of unexpected health setbacks.