Aaron Danks faced the media ahead of Bayern Munich’s massive Bundesliga showdown against Borussia Dortmund, discussing the magnitude of Der Klassiker, Dortmund’s defensive organization under Niko Kovač, and the latest team news.
Danks knows exactly what is at stake, but insists Bayern must stick to the approach that has brought them so much success this season.
“It’s obviously a big game, we know how big this game is around the world, and how many eyes will be on us. But for us it’s about doing what
we always do: we’re super competitive, the players are really competitive, every single day of the week, so we want them to continue that. We’ll focus a little bit on the tactics today, and what we need to do to keep things right in this game. But we just want the players to go out there and show who they are, and continue to show the form that they’re in at the moment,” said Danks (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Dortmund will present a different kind of challenge, with Kovač having established a side that is difficult to break down defensively. Danks recognizes their defensive strength, but also warned against overlooking the attacking threats they possess, particularly given his familiarity with several of their forwards from his time in England.
“They’re very good defensively. They concede very few goals. We often play against opponents who set up like that, like against Arsenal. They also hadn’t conceded in the Champions League before coming here. But Dortmund also have good forwards. I know a few of them from my time in England. We need to be ready for every phase of the game and perform to our best,” Danks remarked.
As for Bayern Munich’s personnel, there is disappointing news regarding Manuel Neuer, who will not recover in time for Saturday’s showdown. Joshua Kimmich, however, remains a possibility after completing two individual training sessions and being scheduled to rejoin the team.
“Unfortunately tomorrow’s game is a little bit early for Manuel Neuer. He still has pain in his foot. Jo Kimmich has done two individual sessions and will train with the team today, we’ll chat to him and see,”Danks said.
Finally, Danks was asked whether he has had time to appreciate the experience of stepping into the head coaching role and leading Bayern Munich through some of the biggest occasions in European football. His answer offered an interesting insight into the demands of the job, explaining that the relentless schedule leaves little room to appreciate the moment until everything is over.
“I think because of the rhythm at the moment, you don’t have much time to reflect and to think back and enjoy it. So, for example, last year when I had to take the touchline responsibility against PSG in the Champions League, in those moments it’s not something you go: wow, wow, this is fantastic, what a great experience. But when the season’s finished and you reflect back on, okay, what happened this year and what did we go through, winning the titles and stuff, and then you go: okay, that was a special night, that was a big occasion. But in the moment you don’t feel that. I’ll definitely reflect on it in the future,” Danks stated.
For now, there is little time for reflection. Danks and Bayern Munich have another enormous occasion to prepare for, with three points against Dortmund and the chance to strengthen their position at the top of the Bundesliga firmly in focus.
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