FC Bayern can apparently breathe a sigh of relief ahead of their Champions League showdown against Arsenal. After coach Vincent Kompany struggled with health issues during the 6-1 rout of RB Leipzig, sporting director Max Eberl has now given the all-clear. The Belgian is expected to be back with his team as usual this coming Wednesday.
While Bayern put on a spectacular performance on the field against Leipzig, an unusual scene unfolded on the sidelines. Kompany spent most of the match on the bench, leaving his assistants to handle direct communication with the players.
After the final whistle, the 40-year-old was so shaken that he was unable to attend the mandatory media interviews.
Eberl Gives the All-Clear on Kompany
Immediately after the game, Eberl had explained that the Bayern coach was dealing with two health issues at once. “He has an infection and a sports injury to his hip. He’s currently in the coaches’ room and unfortunately can’t come out,” reported the sporting director.
This naturally raised the question of whether Kompany might also be limited in the important Champions League match against Arsenal.
At the press conference following the Leipzig match, however, Eberl struck an optimistic note. “Nothing is preventing him from being with the team. He was on the bench, so that wasn’t a major problem,” explained the Bayern boss.
Eberl doesn’t anticipate any difficulties heading into Wednesday’s match either. “I expect it won’t be a problem on Wednesday.”
Thus, everything currently points to Kompany being able to coach his team again against Arsenal.
Eberl Praises Bayern’s Coaching Staff
At the same time, Eberl took the opportunity to highlight the collaboration within the coaching staff. Against Leipzig, assistant coaches Aaron Danks and René Maric in particular took charge on the sidelines.
“He didn’t actively coach the team from the sidelines. Aaron [Danks] and René [Maric] took over—which shows just how harmoniously the coaching staff works together,” Eberl emphasized.
The unusual division of roles clearly had no negative impact on the team’s performance. Bayern dominated Leipzig for long stretches and celebrated a commanding 6-1 victory thanks to a hat trick by Luis Díaz.
Kompany now has some time to recover from his ailments. As early as Wednesday evening, the record champions will host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.
Following their convincing performance against Leipzig, the Munich team is looking to make a statement on the international stage as well.