Aaron Danks Takes Charge of Bayern Munich Ahead of Freiburg Match

Aaron Danks will lead Bayern Munich from the sideline Sunday when the visiting team faces SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga. The English assistant coach stepped into the role after head coach Vincent Kompany collapsed on the training pitch last week. Danks spoke at a press conference on Saturday, standing in for the 40 year old manager who is currently receiving hospital treatment for a virus.

Director of Sport Max Eberl described Kompany's condition as stable during the same briefing. He noted that medical examinations are still ongoing to determine the specific nature of the illness. Eberl stated that the club has not set a precise recovery timeline but emphasized that the absence would last for weeks rather than days. He explained that the team needs to fully understand the medical issue before discussing a return to duty.

Danks said he spoke briefly with Kompany on Friday to check on his health. He noted that he told the former Manchester City and Belgium captain they would avoid football topics during their conversation. The assistant coach added that all football operations are now in the hands of the coaching staff, who will work together to maintain the club's momentum.

The club postponed Bayern's second team match on Friday following the collapse. However, Eberl said the organization did not consider asking to postpone the Bundesliga fixture at Freiburg. He argued that a strong performance and a positive result would be the best way to support Kompany's recovery. He described a win as one of the most helpful things the players could do for their injured boss.

Danks also confirmed that Germany national team captain Joshua Kimmich will miss the Freiburg game. Kimmich has been on bereavement leave since Tuesday. Kompany had returned to the dugout for Wednesday's home match against Arsenal despite missing the pre match press conference due to the virus. He later admitted he ignored warning signs, saying his body eventually told him that enough was enough.

Bayern Munich enters Sunday's match as the leader of the Bundesliga table. They sit one point ahead of Freiburg. The team will next play in the Champions League on November 3, traveling to Madrid to face Atletico.