Bayern coach Kompany collapses during second-team training session

Bayern Munich, the German football club, has announced that its coach Kompany collapsed during a training session of the club's second team, which he had come to watch in person. He was taken to hospital, which matters because the team has a Bundesliga fixture, in Germany's top division, coming up and its Champions League campaign is under way.

The German newspaper Bild and broadcaster Sky reported that a medical helicopter landed at the club's training base, but Kompany was taken to hospital by ambulance. Bayern said on its website that medical tests are being carried out and that he will stay under medical care for now. His coaching staff will take over duties related to training and matches.

A week of illness

Kompany had been suffering from a viral infection. After Saturday's 6-1 home win over Leipzig, he was still able to address the squad in the dressing room, but Bild reports that he needed to lie down briefly on the sofa in his office at half-time and again after the final whistle. On Monday and Tuesday he did not lead training and skipped the pre-match press conference, with English assistant Aaron Danks standing in. On Wednesday he was back on the touchline for the Champions League match against Arsenal of London, which ended 2-2. Sky reported that the infection had caused leg pain and hip problems.

At the post-match press conference, Kompany said that as a coach he always wants to do everything and be involved in every process. He said he caught a rather nasty virus last week and did not listen to his body until it finally said: "Enough!"

Standings

In the Bundesliga, Bayern have 14 points from six games and share the lead with Borussia Dortmund. On Sunday they travel to Freiburg. In the Champions League, Europe's top club competition, the Bavarians have five points from three matches and sit 14th.