Bayern Munich’s 4-3 comeback victory over Mainz 05 was never going to represent a chance for the team’s regulars to just put their feet up and relax.

Per head coach Vincent Kompany, the strategy to substitute in some regulars like Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala during the second half was always in the cards for the Bavarians.

“It was planned. I don’t want to just leave everyone on the bench or give them a vacation, and at the same time I don’t want to take unnecessary risks. It was about keeping the fitness up,” Kompany said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

It was always going to be a delicate of balance for Kompany, who needed to weigh giving regulars at least some downtime vs. allowing his substitutes to show what they can do. The primary goal was to not have anyone worn down ahead of the Champions League match against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Hopefully, that will come away with a “mission accomplished” feeling.

As has happened just about all season, the manager seemed to have the right idea and it resulted in a dramatic 4-3 win.

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