FC Bayern is counting on Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer ahead of the match against Atlético. Aaron Danks offers encouragement but leaves the lineup decisions open until Tuesday.
FC Bayern can look forward to the return of Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer ahead of their Champions League away match against Atlético Madrid. At Monday’s press conference, Aaron Danks reported positive impressions following the pair’s return to the training field. However, a final decision on their availability has yet to be made.
“There’s good news—he showed up this morning, as did Manuel Neuer. We first checked in with them to see how they’re doing. Things are looking good, and we’ll see tomorrow if they’re ready,” explained the assistant head coach regarding Olise’s situation.
The Frenchman had participated in training on Monday with his right knee bandaged. After being substituted due to injury in the 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund, his availability would be a major boost for Bayern’s depleted offense. With Ismael Saibari, Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, and Luis Díaz already out, the team is missing four attacking players.
Goalkeeper decision to be made Tuesday morning
The goalkeeping situation also remains undecided for now. Both Neuer and Jonas Urbig were able to participate in the final training session. While the captain had recently been sidelined due to foot problems, Urbig had been examined following a collision with Carney Chukwuemeka against Dortmund.
Danks assessed the situation: “We haven’t made a decision yet; we’ll do that together. Manuel Neuer was in training, as was Jonas Urbig—it wasn’t a serious injury, just some discomfort for Jonas. We want to see how both of them respond. Manuel just had his first first-team training session; we’ll make the decision tomorrow morning.”
This means the choice also depends on how the two goalkeepers handle the workload. For Neuer in particular, his return to training is still recent. The coaching staff plans to decide on match day who will start in goal against Atlético.
Regardless of that, Danks will have to make up for several absences on offense. He expects the players stepping in to bring their own qualities to the table: “No one should imitate anyone else; instead, everyone should play to their own strengths—that’s what we expect.”
The stand-in for the ailing Vincent Kompany maintains his confident attitude ahead of the away game. Nor are the personnel changes expected to alter the team’s fundamental approach.
“The team’s identity won’t change under me; the decisions are now in my hands. I think this game is good for us—we need to stand tall, be confident, and simply rise to the challenge,” said Danks.