FC Bayern gets off to a dream start in the Bundesliga showdown against RB Leipzig. Just under 30 minutes in, the German record champions are already leading 2–0 and have the game largely under control. But while the Munich team is thrilling the crowd on the field, an unusual scene is unfolding on the sidelines. Coach Vincent Kompany is unable to direct his team vocally as he usually does.
Luis Díaz put Bayern ahead 1–0 as early as the 12th minute. Aleksandar Pavlovic added to the lead in the 26th minute, making it 2–0.
With about 70 percent possession and a clear advantage in scoring chances, the Munich team is dominating the action at the Allianz Arena.
These are actually ideal conditions for Kompany, who normally hardly spends a minute standing still on the sidelines. But against Leipzig of all teams, the Belgian has to hold back.
Hip problems! Kompany can’t coach Bayern as usual
As the pay-TV network Sky reported during the match, Kompany is struggling with an injury. The 40-year-old apparently has hip problems that significantly limit his mobility.
As a result, the Bayern coach spends most of the game sitting on the bench instead of pacing back and forth in his coaching zone as usual.
This presents an unusual sight for spectators. Normally, Kompany is one of the most active coaches in the Bundesliga. He repeatedly gives loud instructions, corrects his players’ positioning, and tries to spur his team on with energetic gestures.
Against Leipzig, he has had to leave this task largely to his coaching staff.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks takes charge
Due to his discomfort, assistant coach Aaron Danks has taken command on the sideline. The Englishman is thus handling most of the direct communication with the players on the field during the match.
Kompany, on the other hand, is watching the action mostly from a seated position.
On the field, the unusual situation does not seem to be having a negative impact at first. Munich comes out highly focused against RB Leipzig from the start and capitalizes on its chances consistently.
Following the recent draws against FC Augsburg and Viking Stavanger, by halftime of the first half, there are strong signs that the record champions could be back on the path to success.
For Kompany, at least, there remains the hope that his team will give him as relaxed an evening as possible with a convincing performance.