Blatant standard weakness: Bayern must come up with something | OneFootball

FC Bayern are conceding too many goals from set-pieces and now the focus is increasingly shifting to set-piece expert Aaron Danks

Vincent Kompany’s words after the 2-2 draw against Mainz 05 sounded almost matter-of-fact. „It is what it is,“ said the Bayern coach – getting to the heart of a problem that is becoming increasingly entrenched at the record champions. Because the statistics are alarming: FC Bayern have conceded seven of their eleven goals in the Bundesliga to date after resting balls. A figure that stands out negatively throughout the league and has long since set alarm bells ringing internally

Standards are becoming a breaking point

The goal conceded to make it 1:1 against Mainz from a free-kick fit the pattern. A lack of allocation, too little consistency in the penalty area – aspects that have been a recurring theme in recent weeks. Max Eberl spoke of an „annoying“ situation after the match and questioned how it came about. „Do you have to commit the foul?“ asked the sporting director – knowing full well that stronger opponents will punish such invitations mercilessly

Joshua Kimmich was even clearer, referring to similar goals conceded against Arsenal, in Berlin and in Cologne. His analysis is clear: concede fewer set-pieces, defend them more consistently and be more alert overall. It is also noticeable that Bayern have often fallen behind recently. In six of the last eight games, they have had to concede a goal first – a development that costs energy and makes games unnecessarily complicated

Aaron Danks moves into focus

photo: IMAGO

This is exactly where Aaron Danks comes into play. The 42-year-old is considered a proven standards expert in Vincent Kompany’s coaching team. While Bayern are certainly making their mark offensively from resting balls, there are glaring weaknesses defensively. Danks analyses trends, patterns and processes throughout Europe – now he is particularly challenged to deliver solutions that take effect quickly

Kompany himself is aware of the explosive nature of the issue. Weeks ago, he was still talking about differentiating between systemic and individual errors. Now the trend is clear. „We have to defend better,“ is the clear message. The end-of-year spurt is intense, the opponents are not getting any easier – and the weakness has long been recognized in Europe

The week of training ahead of the away game in Heidenheim therefore comes in handy for Bayern. Time to sharpen up, correct processes and make standards a strength rather than a threat again. Because one thing is clear: if this weakness persists, Kompany’s composure will also reach its limits at some point.