Bayern Munich's assistant coach Aaron Danks revealed he received a congratulatory message from the absent Vincent Kompany after Sunday's 3-1 victory over Freiburg.
Danks reveals congratulatory message from Kompany after Bayern beat Freiburg
Vincent Kompany was not in the Bayern Munich dugout after his health scare, but he did offer his thoughts on their win at Freiburg.
Dayot Upamecano, Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise were on target as the reigning Bundesliga champions went back above Borussia Dortmund on goal difference, returning to the top of the table.
Bayern's win came without Kompany on the touchline after he collapsed at the club's training ground on Friday, with the club subsequently confirming he was stable and undergoing tests in hospital.
Sporting director Max Eberl said Kompany could miss several weeks, but the former Manchester City centre-back watched Sunday's win and passed on a post-match message to Danks.
"I just opened my phone to a WhatsApp from Vince straight away, saying 'well done', and he was happy," Danks told reporters afterwards.
"I just replied saying, 'Brilliant, now rest', and sent him a kissing emoji. So hopefully, he rests up."
Bayern only had one shot more than their opponents, tallying 17 to Freiburg's 16, yet their opportunities were of a higher quality as they dominated the expected goals (xG) battle by 2.99 to 0.9.
"We're really pleased with the performance," he said. "We always knew it was going to be such a difficult place to come. They're a top team; they're in really good form.
"And even for the last 10 minutes there, where they have that momentum and the crowd is up, and they're trying to chase an equaliser, it's good for us.
"We had to show a bit of resilience, a bit of character, and I thought we defended those moments quite well."
Kompany was not the only Bayern absentee at Europa-Park Stadion, with first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer ruled out with a foot injury.
Although Danks is uncertain whether Neuer will return in time to face Magdeburg in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday – or Dortmund in the upcoming Klassiker – he does not expect the 40-year-old to be out for the long term.
"I'm not too sure. He had a small aggravation in his foot. It depends on how much time that takes to settle," he said.
"It could be a little bit uncomfortable for him at the moment, but I don't think it will take too long."
