Five talking points from the Bundesliga this past weekend

BAYERN MUNICH’S 6-0 win over Mainz kept them top of the Bundesliga on goal difference from old rivals Borussia Dortmund who won 3-2 at Hertha Berlin.

Another milestone for Bayern’s Davies

Alphonso Davies became the first player born after the year 2000 to score for Bayern when he was on target in their win over Mainz on Sunday - the latest chapter in his remarkable story.

Davies was born in Buduburam, a refugee camp in Ghana, after his parents fled the civil war in Liberia. They were eventually able to move to Canana when Davies was five and settled in Edmonton.

He joined Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS at the age of 16 and, after scoring eight goals in 65 appearances, moved to Bayern in January.

He is the first Canadian to play for Bayern and their youngest-ever scorer since Paraguayan Roque Santa Cruz was on target in 1999.

“He’s a young player who can play both in an attacking and defensive role on the left,” said coach Nico Kovac. “I’m pleased for him because he’s now off to Canada to play for his country with a goal in his bags. That’s a big thing for every player.”

A rant and then a sweet for the fourth official Huub Stevens’ third stint as coach of sinking Schalke began with a 1-0 home defeat by RB Leipzig which left them only three points above the relegation playoff place.

“This is the toughest job I’ve had yet, and I hope it will be the last,” said the 65-year-old Dutchman who replaced Domenico Tedesco, fired after last week’s 7-0 defeat by Manchester City in the Champions League.

“We are all disappointed. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like losing.”

There was one light-hearted moment, however.

Stevens’ frustration boiled over the during the match with an angry rant at the fourth official. But having calmed down, Stevens turned to the official, smiled and handed him a sweet.

Bayern’s sporting director tired

of Hoeness questions

Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is fed up with being ask to comment on remarks made by outspoken club president Uli Hoeness.

“Why do you always tell me what Uli Hoeness has said,” said Salihamidzic as he discussed the future of James Rodriguez. “I’m not interested in what Uli Hoeness has said.”

“Every question begins with Uli Hoeness... Uli Hoeness this, Uli Hoeness that.

“I do not want to comment on Uli Hoeness’ statements all the time, it doesn’t interest me at all. “

Reus still the difference for Dortmund

Marco Reus is continuing to make the difference for Dortmund, with 15 goals and six assists in 22 appearances this season.

His importance to Dortmund’s challenge is underlined by their record with and without him. When the 29-year-old plays, Dortmund average 2.36 points and score 2.59 goals per Bundesliga game.

In his absence, those numbers drop to 2.0 and 1.75 respectively.

Dortmund share the goals

Dortmund are not scoring as often as Bayern but they share the goals around more evenly. Of 22 players fielded in the Bundesliga this season, 18 have hit the target, the most by any Bundesliga team. | Reuters