Kompany's collapse triggers red alert among German coaches

Vincent Kompany's collapse has sparked a wide-ranging debate about the workload in the coaching profession. A photo by Carina Johansen documents the solidarity demonstration by Bayern fans in Freiburg. Many colleagues see problematic dynamics in their job, because on the sidelines often any trace of mindfulness is missing.

Coaches express concern about workload

Martin Demichelis, Argentinian coach of RB Leipzig, emphasizes: “We as coaches think 24 hours a day about what we can improve,” and adds: “Our heads probably work far too much.” He warns of the long-term consequences of constant thinking.

Nico Kovac, coach of vice-champion Borussia Dortmund, describes the stress in the Bundesliga as “very high” and asks: “Who looks after the coach?” He explains that without self- and family care the situation becomes even more difficult. Kovac also emphasizes that the pressure to succeed at big clubs is enormous: “When you win, it’s the others; when you lose, it’s the coaches.”

Max Eberl, a 53‑year‑old sports director from Munich, speaks of “extreme burdens” and recalls his own burnout experience. He criticizes the pressure to deliver every three days, and calls for coaches and officials to look out for each other. “We as adult men have to talk to each other and try to recognise things, in order to then be that protection,” he says.

Depleted Bayern head to Black Forest as Munich side face Freiburg

Fans and other voices call for protective mechanisms

Bayern fans demonstrated at the away match in Freiburg for Kompany, while Miroslav Klose, coach of 1. FC Nuremberg, admitted: “It’s not easy, because we’re all stubborn.” He emphasizes that coaches must carve out free time for their minds.

Miron Muslic, coach of Schalke, explains that “coaching hygiene” is very important, because “the day sometimes is very, very long – our job is very demanding.” He sees the need to establish clear routines.

Lothar Matthäus describes how constant scrutiny keeps every coach awake at night. He reports that he was up at four o’clock, drank coffee at seven o’clock and thought about football for three hours.

Bayern secure victory with Davies on the bench as Kompany recovers

Armin Veh concludes with the words: “You can’t afford not to be there.” He emphasizes that coaches constantly bear pressure and responsibility and can eventually “break down.”