Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany on facing Borussia Dortmund: 'Der Klassiker is a title in itself'

Second-placed Borussia Dortmund know exactly what to expect when they host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday. We round up the pre-match thoughts from both sides of the Klassiker divide...

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Borussia Dortmund

Niko Kovač (head coach): "Bayern are a top team that will demand everything from us. We have to play to our very best from the first to the last second. We have to be brave in possession and keep hold of the ball for long periods. But it also depends on the opponent, who will certainly want to impose their game on us. It will be a very intense game over 90 minutes. We will put 11 players on the pitch who will give everything. They will try everything to beat the German champions here in our stadium with our fans behind us."

Gregor Kobel (goalkeeper): "It’s Der Klassiker - and one of the highlights of the season. Bayern are top of the league for a reason and their attacking numbers are impressive - four goals a game is pretty crazy. We lost narrowly in Munich - 2-1 - now we play at home. We want to play with confidence, we have shown that throughout the season and in the last two games against them. It will be tough, we know about their strength and quality, but we believe in our qualities as well. We are playing at home in front of our amazing fans, we want to play off that energy and give a really good fight and compete at the highest level."

Watch: Who'll have the edge in Der Klassiker?

Waldemar Anton (defender): "I think Bayern have enough other players with huge quality. It’s not just [Harry] Kane. It’ll be important that we play well as a team, defend as a team and play our game as a team. We’re just focused on ourselves. We won’t single out players, because Bayern have too much quality for that. It’ll definitely be a game that comes down to who’s the better team."

Bayern Munich

Vincent Kompany (head coach): "It's a Klassiker! That has its significance, and with it being a top-of-the-table clash at the moment, we can make it as big as it is. It's important for the Bundesliga that it's a big event - the teams shouldn't have fear, but we need teams who say: 'I want to beat Dortmund'. And Dortmund should think similarly. That's what makes it so important, that's how it should be. I've said from the beginning that the Klassiker is a title in itself. The truth is, these games are so important that they deserve their own little title. The result won't change our mentality, we want to keep marching on. We're on a good track and want to fight to keep it that way."

Watch: Vincent Kompany previews Der Klassiker

Luis Díaz (forward): "They say it’s especially good to play in Dortmund because they have an amazing atmosphere, because it’s a big stadium and obviously they’re a big team. Getting to play my first game away there, I obviously want to give my best for the team as always. And obviously try to get a win, which is the most important thing for us. If we can’t win, then at a minimum we need to come away with a draw. Getting a point or three would be important for the rest of the season."

Watch: Luis Díaz on importance of Der Klassiker

Dayot Upamecano (defender): "Dortmund always have a great team from front to back and they are playing consistently this season. I always want to keep a clean sheet, but the most important thing is the three points. I always want to win for my team and for the fans. The important thing in this game is the three points. If we keep a clean sheet and win 2-0 then that would be perfect. That would be a bonus."

About the clubs

Borussia Dortmund

SIGNAL IDUNA PARK

Bayern Munich

Allianz Arena