Kovac warns of coaching's brutal toll as Kompany recovers from collapse

Kompany on the mend after training-ground collapse

Vincent Kompany is recovering after being hospitalised following a sudden collapse at Bayern Munich's training ground last week, forcing the Belgian to take a temporary break from his coaching duties.

While Bayern have yet to announce an exact diagnosis, reports have suggested that Kompany's demanding work schedule and lack of sleep may have contributed to the incident. The Bayern boss is known for his meticulous approach, often working late and prioritising his job over rest.

Kovac: "You can't switch it off"

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac addressed his colleague's absence and reflected on the immense pressure that comes with coaching a top-level football club.

"You take pretty much everything home with you. None of us can say that we close our office door, get in the car and leave everything behind. You think about things and consider how you can do better. You can't switch that off," Kovac said.

"There is enormous stress when you are fighting relegation. When you are at the top, you are expected to win practically everything, which is almost impossible. It is a very, very demanding profession, and one that is certainly intensified by outside pressures," he added.

Kovac had already sent his best wishes to Kompany over the weekend, telling Sky: "Like all football fans, I wish him nothing but the best. I hope he recovers quickly and returns to the touchline soon. What matters most at this stage is giving him peace and quiet, because he needs time.

"We all know how demanding a coaching job can be, so I genuinely wish him all the very best," he added.

Eberl pledges patience for Kompany's recovery

Kovac's words echo those of Bayern sporting director Max Eberl, who on 25 October pledged the club would give Kompany as long as he needs to recover, refusing to set a timeline. Drawing on his own 2022 burnout, Eberl warned that the body eventually "screams" when its warning signals are ignored — underlining the danger of the relentless workload that has now sidelined the Belgian.

Kahn had earlier defended Kompany from Klopp criticism

The external pressures on Kompany are not limited to the physical. On 23 October, former Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn questioned Germany coach Jürgen Klopp's public criticism of Kompany's Bayern tactics after a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, arguing that a national-team coach should be careful about criticising a club colleague. Kahn also recalled Klopp's earlier remarks about Julian Nagelsmann, for which Klopp later apologised — a reminder of the scrutiny that intensifies the job Kovac describes.