Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany. [AFP]
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany. [AFP]

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany collapsed at the club's training ground and was rushed to hospital.

The BBC reported Saturday (Korean Standard Time) that Kompany collapsed while watching the club's reserve team train on Friday and was subsequently taken to hospital.

The 40-year-old had been suffering from a viral illness throughout the week, the BBC added, and is currently in stable condition at the hospital.

Bayern Munich confirmed in an official statement that Kompany had required medical attention after collapsing during a training session. "He is undergoing thorough examinations at the hospital and will receive medical treatment," the club said. "His coaching staff will oversee training and match activities."

Kompany had already missed the pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern's UEFA Champions League fixture against Arsenal due to the viral illness. He nonetheless took his place on the touchline in heavy rain to manage the match on the day.

German media and reporters on the ground said signs of Kompany's deteriorating health had been apparent since the previous weekend.

German football journalist Taufik Khalil told BBC Radio that the situation had begun at Saturday's match against Leipzig the previous weekend. "That was the moment we saw Kompany looking very unwell," he said.

An emergency helicopter landed at the training ground as Kompany was attended to, underscoring the urgency of the situation, though he was ultimately transported safely to hospital by medical vehicle. German media reported his condition is now stable.

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl said the manager's health was the club's top priority. "The club will do everything it can to ensure his swift recovery," Eberl said. "His coaching staff, in whom we have complete trust, will take over his duties."


min3654@heraldcorp.com