Bayern Munich Coach Vincent Kompany Returns to Training Ground After Health Scare

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has returned to the club’s training ground for the first time since collapsing last month, marking an important step in his recovery ahead of the Bundesliga clash against Cologne on November 20.

The 40-year-old Belgian arrived at Bayern’s Säbener Straße training complex shortly after 10am on Tuesday, according to German media reports. He worked from his office, held discussions with assistant coach Floribert Ngalula and sporting director Christoph Freund, and watched injured players undergo a recovery session.

However, his return to the training facility does not mean he has resumed his full managerial responsibilities. Kompany is expected to return to the touchline after the international break, with the Cologne fixture identified as the possible date for his comeback.

The Bayern manager collapsed on October 23 while watching a training session involving the club’s reserve team. He was taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with meningeal irritation, an inflammation affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. He was later discharged to continue his recovery at home.

During his absence, assistant coach Aaron Danks took charge of the first team, overseeing four victories and a 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund. Bayern secured wins over Freiburg, Magdeburg, Atlético Madrid and Mainz under his temporary leadership.

Danks previously revealed that the club’s management had instructed him to keep football-related discussions away from Kompany while he recovered. He said sporting director Max Eberl and Christoph Freund wanted the manager to concentrate entirely on his health and family.

“We want him to rest and recover properly so that, when he returns, he is fully fit and can help us in the best possible way. We are being very strict here and keeping football completely out of it,” Danks said.

Kompany’s father, Pierre, had earlier spoken about the demanding schedule his son maintained at Bayern. In an interview with Bild, he said the manager often worked for up to 18 hours a day and had limited time with his children because of his demanding responsibilities.

Bayern will host Cologne on November 20, with Kompany expected to return to the dugout for the fixture if his recovery progresses as planned.