"Feeling a little under the weather": Kompany will have to watch the big game from his seat

An ailing coach, Vincent Kompany, watched FC Bayern’s top match against RB Leipzig from an unusual vantage point. Instead of gesturing animatedly and energetically from his coaching zone as usual, the Belgian watched most of the game while sitting on the bench.

Sports director Christoph Freund told Sky at halftime: “He’s not quite fit, which is why he’s sitting a lot, and that’s why we discussed having our assistant coaches stand a bit more today. So, he’s feeling a bit under the weather, and he’s also a bit injured.” However, the coach “held a completely normal team meeting,” Freund added. “Everything’s fine so far.”

Difficulty Climbing Stairs

Instead of Kompany, his assistant Aaron Danks gave instructions to the record champions’ players from the sideline. TV footage had previously shown Kompany needing support as he walked up the stairs to the field at kickoff.

At halftime, the coach then avoided the stairs and left the locker room via an exit in the corner of the stadium. Accompanied by team doctor Roland Schmidt and his friend Rodyse Munienge, he returned via the same route.