Vincent Kompany Hospitalized After Collapsing at Bayern Munich Training Session

A medical helicopter landing at Säbener Strasse, Bayern Munich's headquarters, isn't a sight you see every day. But that was exactly the scene this Friday, when Vincent Kompany had to be rushed to the hospital after collapsing while watching a training session of the club's reserve side, FC Bayern Amateure.

The German club confirmed the incident in a statement: the 40 year old Belgian coach "had to seek medical treatment on Friday following a collapse during FC Bayern Amateure's training session." Kompany had simply been observing the second team's session when the episode occurred. According to the club, "he will undergo extensive examinations at the hospital and will remain under medical care," while "for the time being, his coaching staff will take charge of training and match-related activities."

Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, moved quickly to reassure supporters of the club, which currently sits among the Bundesliga leaders:

Vincent Kompany's health is our absolute priority. At FC Bayern we will do everything we can to help him recover quickly. Vinnie will receive all the medical attention and support he needs, as well as all the time he requires. His coaching staff, in whom we have complete confidence, will take over his duties. Everyone at FC Bayern wishes Vinnie a speedy recovery.Max Eberl

A week of warning signs that came before

Friday's collapse didn't come out of nowhere. The Belgian had been dealing with a viral infection for several days, and the first serious symptoms had surfaced last Saturday, during the 6-1 thrashing of RB Leipzig. Kompany delivered his usual talk to the players, but had to lie down on the locker room couch at the Allianz Arena, both at halftime and after the final whistle. Even so, he recovered enough to go back over plays on his laptop, though he left the media duties to the club's sporting officials.

By Monday he was no longer able to lead training and was thoroughly examined by the team's medical staff, headed by internist Roland Schmidt. He also missed the final session on Tuesday before the European fixture, with his 43 year old assistant, Aaron Danks, fielding questions at the pre-match press conference. Danks made clear that the priority was for his boss to rest for as long as needed.

Kompany did return to the touchline on Wednesday, for the 2-2 draw against Arsenal, and spoke candidly afterward about what he had been going through:

As a coach, you always want to do everything and achieve everything. Last week I picked up a pretty nasty virus and, of course, I didn't listen to my body. There came a point where my body told me: "Stop now!"Vincent Kompany

The exact reason for this latest hospital visit is not yet known. Bayern now face a trip to Freiburg on Sunday, October 25, for Matchday 7 of the Bundesliga, a game his coaching staff will have to handle while the club awaits news on their coach's condition.