Vincent Kompany remains sidelined ahead of the big match against Arsenal. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is now advising the Bayern coach to exercise particular caution.
At FC Bayern, an unusual personnel issue remains unresolved ahead of the Champions League showdown against Arsenal: Will Vincent Kompany even be able to take his place on the bench on Wednesday night?
The 40-year-old has been battling a viral infection for several days and was already limited in his participation during the 6-1 win over RB Leipzig. On Tuesday, Kompany was absent from both the final training session and the press conference. Instead, assistant coach Aaron Danks handled the media and on-field preparations ahead of the match against the Londoners.
Whether Kompany will actually be able to take the field against Arsenal will not be decided until game day. Danks had explained that the Belgian’s health is being monitored on an ongoing basis.
Now Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has also commented on the situation. The longtime member of FC Bayern’s executive board expressed concern for the coach in an interview with the Münchner Merkur and advised him not to take the illness lightly.
Rummenigge calls Kompany the “father of success”
“We’re missing one of our best players in Michael Olise. And we’ll have to see if the coach can be on the bench. He’s had a virus since Saturday. Yesterday morning he seemed to be feeling better, but then he felt a little worse as the day went on. It would be better if he could just let it run its course,” Rummenigge said.
For the 71-year-old, however, the coach’s absence would still be a bitter loss. “He is our guiding spirit—and the father of the success we’ve had so far.”
With this, Rummenigge once again underscores the high regard in which Kompany is held within the club. The Belgian has shaped the team this season with his attacking style of play, his high-pressure defense, and his clear definition of roles. His influence was evident even against Leipzig despite his health issues, although Danks took over most of the on-field coaching duties from the sidelines.
Rummenigge also looked ahead to the match against Arsenal: “It’s a classic. Even back when I was CEO, we played them almost every year—and won almost every year. Last year, however, we lost 1–3, and that was well deserved,” he explained.
Following the 3–3 draw at Viking Stavanger, Munich now has four points in the Champions League. Arsenal has won its first two matches and travels to Munich with six points. “We have to make sure we win now after needlessly giving away two points last week, but it’ll be tough,” said Rummenigge.
For Kompany himself, however, health is likely to take priority in the end. Bayern, along with Danks and the rest of the coaching staff, are prepared for his possible absence. Whether the head coach will at least be able to take a seat on the bench is likely to be decided just a few hours before kickoff.