Tom Bischof spoke for the squad after Bayern’s 6-1 DFB-Pokal second-round win over 1. FC Magdeburg, telling Bavarian Football Works that assistant Aaron Danks had done well in interim charge, but that the head coach’s presence was missed.
“I think Danksy is doing a good job too, and has a loud voice. He motivates us well, too, but of course, it’s a bit different when Vinnie is standing in front of us. We miss him, but we’re also happy that he’s doing much better now and is back home. We’re happy for him.”
Vincent Kompany collapsed at the club’s training ground on Friday 23 October and was taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed meningism, an irritation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord with symptoms similar to meningitis but no infection. He was discharged on Wednesday 28 October and is recovering at home.
Director of sport Max Eberl confirmed the diagnosis publicly. Speaking to reporters, Eberl called the discharge the “biggest and best news” the club had received that week, and said doctors had identified the cause of the training-ground incident.
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Laimer wants Kompany to take his time
Konrad Laimer struck the same note as Bischof, telling Bavarian Football Works after the Magdeburg win that nobody at the club wants their head coach back before he is ready.
“We’re all delighted that he’s finally back home with his family. He can take some time to rest and recover,” Laimer said.
Three fixtures without the head coach
According to a Bild report flagged by Bavarian Football Works, Kompany will not sit on the bench before the November international break. That rules him out of Saturday’s Bundesliga Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund, the Champions League tie with Atlético Madrid, and the Bundesliga trip to Mainz 05.
The earliest realistic return is 20 November against 1. FC Köln, though the club has not set a fixed date and his doctors have to sign off first. Danks will stay in charge until the medical staff give their approval.
Bayern host Dortmund at the Allianz Arena on Saturday with Danks on the touchline.
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