Vincent Kompany Returns to Bayern Bench After Viral Infection

Vincent Kompany has revealed that a viral infection forced him to step back from Bayern Munich duties last week, after the head coach returned to the Allianz Arena bench for the 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal.

Kompany returns for Arsenal match

The Belgian had missed Bayern’s final training session and pre-match press conference before the Arsenal fixture after falling ill in the days leading up to the game. Despite that absence, he was present on the touchline for the Champions League meeting in Munich.

• Kompany had been affected by a virus during the previous week.
• He did not take part in Bayern’s last training session before facing Arsenal.
• He also missed the media conference ahead of the match.
• He returned to the bench as Bayern drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.

Coach admits he pushed himself too far

Explaining the situation, Kompany said his instinct had been to continue working despite feeling unwell, but that his body eventually forced him to pause.

“As a coach, you always want to do everything,” he said. “I caught a pretty nasty virus last week. Naturally, I did not listen to my body, and in the end my body told me: ‘Stop now.’”

Helicopter reported at Säbener Straße

A helicopter was also reported to have landed earlier at Bayern’s Säbener Straße training complex. Bayern, Germany’s record champions, had not issued any further details or official confirmation concerning the landing.