Aaron Danks is overseeing Bayern Munich as acting head coach while Vincent Kompany recovers at home after being diagnosed with meningeal irritation. Kompany collapsed on the training pitch on October 23, and Bayern travel to face Mainz on Saturday.
Temporary charge after Kompany’s collapse
Danks took temporary charge after Kompany collapsed. Kompany was rushed to hospital and subsequently diagnosed with meningeal irritation; he continues his recovery at home, leaving Danks to oversee first-team duties in his absence.
Danks on the coaching challenge
Aaron Danks, Bayern assistant coach, said: “Obviously I am someone who wants to learn, so it was a good challenge for me. But the circumstances were not something I would have hoped or wished for. It is not like I am happy for this opportunity, but I have embraced it and learned a lot.”
Danks said: “It has been about sticking a lot to our processes. It's been difficult but I think we have done it through Vince's lens, through his leadership style.”
Four matches unbeaten
Danks has guided Bayern to three wins and a draw in four matches and remains unbeaten since taking charge. The run includes a 2-0 Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid and a 6-1 victory over Magdeburg in the German Cup.
League position and return date
Bayern currently sit ahead of Borussia Dortmund purely on goal difference. There is no official date for Kompany’s return.
Danks said: “I am looking forward to the rest and the break, especially for me, to get back home to see the family.”
