Health · Mental Health · 7 hrs ago
Martin Schmidt suggests two-coach model to ease pressure on football managers
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany collapsed during training and was told he would be away for several weeks.
His collapse was apparently caused by an irritation of the meninges, not stress, but it has renewed discussion in Germany about the pressure on football coaches.
Former Bundesliga coach Martin Schmidt says the job brings constant decisions and can make it difficult for coaches to take time away.
He says coaches need ways to switch off, such as setting aside time for family or other interests.
Schmidt proposes two coaches sharing the work, with one focused on training and playing style and the other handling media and contact with medical staff.
Some Scandinavian clubs have already used two-coach teams, including Lars Lagerbäck and Tommy Söderberg with Sweden from 2000 to 2004.
The idea would be a major change in top leagues, but no decision to adopt it is reported.
Martin Schmidt has proposed a two-coach model to reduce the pressure on professional football managers.
He suggested one coach focus on training and playing philosophy, while another handles media work and communication with medical staff.
Schmidt said managers face constant decisions and often feel they cannot be absent because they are the club’s driving force.
The discussion followed Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany’s collapse during a training session with the club’s reserve team.
- Who
- Martin Schmidt proposed the model. He is a former Bundesliga coach and Mainz sporting director.
- What
- Schmidt suggested that two coaches share managerial duties to ease pressure.
- When
- The report was published on 2 November 2026.
- Where
- The proposal concerns top football leagues. Schmidt cited Sweden’s coaching partnership from 2000 to 2004 as an example.
- Why
- Schmidt said managers face constant demands and make many decisions each day.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Vincent Kompany collapsed during a training session with Bayern’s reserve team.
Bayern officials said Kompany would be out for several weeks.
SRF reported Schmidt’s proposal for a two-coach model.
- Proposal
- One coach for training and playing philosophy; another for media and medical communication
- Martin Schmidt
- 59 years old
- Kompany’s absence
- Several weeks, according to Bayern officials
- Sweden coaching partnership
- Lars Lagerbäck and Tommy Söderberg coached Sweden from 2000 to 2004
- Sweden tournament results
- One World Cup round-of-16 appearance and one European Championship quarter-final appearance
What people are saying
As a coach, you simply cannot be absent, because you are the club’s driving force. You are constantly making decisions; you have to make 20 or 30 decisions every day. That does something to you.
How modern is that still? Is it not conceivable that in future there could be two coaches? One focuses on training, content and playing philosophy, the other covers media work and communication with doctors and physiotherapists.
On Monday he had his “day for the family”. He was at the playground or at daycare, but not at the club.