Bayern Munich refuse to alter plans for Dortmund Klassiker despite Vincent Kompany absence

Bayern Munich assistant coach Aaron Danks insists the Bundesliga champions will maintain their usual approach for Saturday’s Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund despite the continued absence of head coach Vincent Kompany.

Kompany remains unavailable as he recovers from a meningeal irritation that required hospitalisation after he collapsed during a second-team training session last week.

The Belgian was discharged from hospital on Wednesday but is expected to spend some time recovering before returning to the dugout.

Danks, who has assumed responsibility for the team in Kompany’s absence, says Bayern will not make significant adjustments to their preparations ahead of the crucial encounter, insisting the players remain focused on delivering a competitive performance.

“We want the players to go out and show who they are,” Danks told a press conference in Munich.

“No big changes, no big differences for us. We will be ready and super competitive.”

Saturday’s meeting presents another important test for Bayern, who are level on points with Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga, with only goal difference separating the two sides.

Danks explains coaching differences in Kompany’s absence

Although Danks is leading the team, he acknowledged that his coaching approach differs from that of Kompany, who has been in charge of Bayern since 2024.

The Englishman stressed that the Belgian deliberately encouraged his assistants to develop their own identities rather than imitate his methods.

“There is a difference (in coaching). Vinnie did not want his assistant coaches to be mini-Vinnies. We are all different, but we complement each other,” Danks said.

Danks has already overseen Bayern’s German Cup victory over Magdeburg this week and is expected to remain in charge for at least the next few matches as Kompany continues his recovery.

The immediate challenge will be Saturday’s showdown with Dortmund before Bayern travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Eberl backs Bayern coaching staff to manage transition

Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl has also expressed confidence in the club’s coaching structure, explaining that Kompany’s absence has not left the team without leadership.

While acknowledging the difficulty of dealing with the circumstances surrounding the Belgian’s illness, Eberl pointed to the strength of the wider technical team and its ability to maintain continuity.

“What happened with Vinnie is difficult to prepare for,” Eberl said.

“What we said at the start of his illness is that we have a coaching staff. Vinnie is up front with a big personality, but there is a whole team.”

He added that the transition had been handled without significant disruption, with the players already familiar with the coaching personnel now responsible for guiding them.

“It is nothing new for the lads. It is not a situation we could have planned for, but we have seamlessly made the transition.”

Bayern will now look to carry that continuity into one of the biggest fixtures on the Bundesliga calendar, with the opportunity to strengthen their position at the summit against their closest challengers.