by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich's progression to the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain comes with an unwanted footnote for Vincent Kompany.
The 40-year-old Bayern coach will miss the first leg in Paris on April 28 after picking up his third yellow card of the campaign during his side's 4-3 win over Real Madrid, which sealed a 6-4 aggregate victory.
The news emerged in the immediate aftermath of the match. Board member for sport Max Eberl, speaking to broadcasters about Bayern's "great mentality as we returned three times after setbacks," was informed of the suspension during a television interview.
"We entered the locker room happy that no player was banned. Now it's the coach, my goodness," Eberl said.
Kompany took the setback in his stride.
"Then it's one game without me on the touchline," he said, while questioning the disciplinary rules in an expanded competition format with more fixtures.
"I am not happy about the yellow card, but I am back for the second leg," he added.
Kompany was booked after protesting to the fourth official over a foul in the buildup to Real Madrid's third goal, and the incident underlined his animated presence on the touchline throughout the tie.
Despite the suspension, Bayern remains in contention on multiple fronts, with a 35th Bundesliga title within reach, a place in the German Cup final still possible, and now a Champions League semifinal against PSG.
Kompany, in his second season in charge, has drawn praise for restoring Bayern to Europe's elite, though he played down his own role.
"The outside noise doesn't concern me too much," he said.
"One moment you're a bad coach, the next a good one. I was promoted with Burnley with 101 points, then was relegated from the Premier League with 20 points, and then won the [second-tier] Championship."
Reflecting on the dramatic victory over Real Madrid, Kompany focused on the collective effort.
"Pictures are the best words," he said. "Ours is the total together, when we all met to celebrate in a big group." ■
