“A shame this season’s exciting!” – Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac
Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac was in an upbeat mood ahead of his side’s Klassiker six-pointer against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
The record German champions welcome the league leaders to the Allianz Arena on Matchday 28 with just two points between the sides.
Bayern surrendered top spot in the Bundesliga last week when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Freiburg, and needed a late Robert Lewandowski penalty to edge second-tier Heidenheim 5-4 in the DFB Cup on Wednesday.
Kovac remains convinced that his side are a match for Dortmund, though.
Watch: Highlights of Bayern's 1-1 draw against Freiburg
“They’re playing a very good season,” he said at his pre-match press conference. “It’ll be an interesting game, an evenly-matched contest. How we play on the day will decide it. We really want to win this game. The club, the fans, everyone wants to win this game.”
A win would take Bayern back to the summit with a one-point advantage over Dortmund ahead of the final six games of the season. Niklas Süle was sent off on Wednesday following a dangerous pass from Thiago Alcantara, but Kovac is likely to lean on both against BVB.
“I see it like this: attacking is art, defending is craft,” he said. “You have to convince the players with arguments. I always tell them the same thing but they have to implement it. Of course it can make you mad but you just have to keep going. Everyone makes mistakes, that’s human.”
Bayern are approaching full-strength in terms of personnel. Corentin Tolisso has resumed first-team training and captain Manuel Neuer could return between the posts having missed the last two games with a calf complaint.
“[Arjen] Robben and [Alphonso] Davies won’t be able to play,” Kovac confirmed. “[David] Alaba trained and I hope he’s ready for Saturday. Lewy’s a bit sick. Neuer had a stress test today which went ok. He didn’t train with the team but I’m still optimistic.”
And as for the title-race?
“It’s too bad that this season is exciting," the Croat concluded with a smile.
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