Mainz vs Bayern: Danks uses 2025 comeback to warn Bayern ahead of Bundesliga clash
Interim coach Aaron Danks has shown Bayern Munich players their dismal first half at Mainz last season, as the Bavarians head into a Bundesliga trip to the ninth-placed side.
Bayern Munich head to Mainz on Saturday as clear favourites, but interim coach Aaron Danks is not taking the fixture lightly. According to BILD, the Englishman showed his players footage of the side's poor first half in the return fixture at Mainz last season, when Bayern trailed 3-0 at the break before winning 4-3. The match is scheduled for 15:30 local time and is being broadcast by Sky.
A first half to learn from
Bayern went in 3-0 down on 25 April at the Mainz stadium, but came back in the second half to win 4-3. Danks told BILD that the team had reviewed the match as part of its normal preparation. He said the squad needed to reflect on the challenges of that day and on how difficult it is to play in that stadium.
The first half was played largely by squad players, several of whom have since left the club. BILD names Nicolas Jackson and Leon Goretzka, who are now at Aston Villa, and Raphaël Guerreiro, who is without a club, along with fringe player Bara Ndiaye. Bayern's turnaround came after Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Jonathan Tah came on as substitutes, and the team took control.
Bayern's most recent Bundesliga defeat away from home also came in Mainz, a 2-1 loss on 14 December 2024, according to BILD.
Motivation over fear
Danks said the comeback is also meant to encourage his players. He pointed to the team's spirit and its refusal to give up, which he said the squad showed in that match and is showing again now. The goal this time, according to BILD, is to dominate from the first whistle and win more comfortably.
Team news and coaching situation
Vincent Kompany is absent from the bench because of meningitis, and Danks continues to deputise for him. BILD reports that Danks has also said players will be given rest periods during the season, while Kicker has raised questions about who can play on the left side of the Bayern defence and midfield.
Mainz are ninth in the Bundesliga table, according to BILD, and have a record of making life difficult for the Munich side on their own ground.
What we know so far
Bayern travel to Mainz as favourites, with their interim coach stressing discipline and self-belief after a difficult first half last season. The match kicks off at 15:30 and is available on Sky, with DAZN also listing live coverage options for Bundesliga fans in its guide. Further team news is expected before kick-off.
Note: the 4-3 result and the 0-3 half-time score are as reported by BILD.
