Watching PSG-Bayern thriller from stands ‘no enjoyable’ for suspended coach Kompany

PARIS (AP) — Vincent Kompany may need been the one spectator within the Parc des Princes who did not take pleasure in watching the thrilling Champions League semifinal game between his Bayern Munich workforce and Paris Saint-Germain.

Barred from the touchline as he served a one-game suspension, Kompany discovered it arduous to be farther from the motion as he sat with workers within the media seats carrying an earpiece.

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“It’s no fun,” Kompany told Prime Video. “If it never happens again, I’ll be satisfied.”

The twists and turns of PSG’s 5-4 first-leg win had been clear to see on Kompany’s face. With assistant Aaron Danks taking cost on the touchline, Kompany was sharing smiles and handshakes with workers within the first half, however was stone-faced as his workforce slumped to 5-2 down earlier than charging again into the competition.

“I can’t take decisions 80 meters (262 feet) away.” Kompany stated. “But I appreciated the way the players responded, from high up in the stands.”

Kompany’s PSG counterpart Luis Enrique had a unique view from the sideline, proclaiming it one of the best recreation he is ever coached.

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In the previous, Luis Enrique has often taken a seat within the stands of his personal free will to get a tactical view of the sport, however Kompany wasn’t satisfied.

“I don’t know why. I wouldn’t do that,” the Belgian coach stated.

With Kompany out of “the vicinity of the field of play or the team bench” as UEFA rules demand, and also barred from the locker room, Danks took charge of a game for the first time since a two-game interim stint at Aston Villa in 2022.

Danks is Bayern’s set-piece specialist but his team still managed to concede a simple headed goal from a corner when Joao Neves evaded his marker Jamal Musiala to put PSG 2-1 up. Dayot Upamecano’s header at a free kick for Bayern’s third goal was more in line with expectations.

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With his one-game suspension for three yellow cards served, Kompany will be back in his technical area for the second leg next Wednesday and wants an even louder atmosphere than for the rousing quarterfinal win over Real Madrid.

“There was such fire against Madrid. We need no less than that, we need even more, and that’s all I can ask for,” he advised Prime Video. “I’d go to the stadium for a game like that, but not to be quiet.”

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Ellingworth reported from Duesseldorf, Germany.

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