BERLIN, Dec 6, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Manuel Neuer says a second consecutive
defeat is unthinkable for Bayern Munich on Saturday at Bundesliga leaders
Borussia Moenchengladbach, who quietly harbour aspirations of a first German
title since 1977.
Bayern have lifted the trophy each of the past seven seasons but their
Bundesliga reign is under threat as they sit fourth — four points behind
Gladbach — with a third of the season played.
Interim Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who replaced the sacked Niko Kovac last
month, suffered his first defeat in five games a week ago with a shock 2-1
loss at home to Bayer Leverkusen.
Neuer has called for a response by Bayern at Borussia Park.
“We simply must not lose, that’s out of the question – we’re going there to
win,” the Germany goalkeeper told Kicker magazine.
Under new head coach Marco Rose, Gladbach are this season’s surprise
package and have spent the last two months in first place.
Swiss striker Breel Embolo scored twice in Sunday’s 4-2 home win against
Freiburg to keep Gladbach top, bouncing back from a surprise 2-0 away defeat
at Union Berlin.
A win over Bayern would go some way to firming up Gladbach’s status as
genuine title contenders, especially with second-placed RB Leipzig, who host
mid-table Hoffenheim on Saturday, just a point behind.
“We always want to compete with the best – and Bayern are the best,” said
Embolo.
“But it’s not just us who want to stand up to them. Leipzig, Schalke and
Leverkusen want that too.
“It’s going to be a top game. Bayern are a world-class team and we need to
hope for a good day.”
Another defeat would pile the pressure on Bayern and Flick. Ex-Germany
coach and Gladbach legend Berti Vogts said his former side “will be hard to
knock off top spot” if they beat the Bavarians this weekend.
Gladbach fans can already be heard at matches singing about becoming German
champions as they enjoy their best start to a season since 1977 — the last
time they won the Bundesliga.
“We feel good at the moment and spirits are high, we are going into the
duel with respect, but know we have a chance to win,” said Rose.
Germany defender Matthias Ginter is expected to be fit again after injury
to face Bayern, who are near full strength.
One to watch: Christopher Nkunku
The France Under-21 midfielder grew frustrated at a lack of opportunities
at Paris Saint-Germain, the club he joined aged 13, but a summer switch to RB
Leipzig has enabled him to unlock some of his potential this season.
Nkunku has scored once and laid on five assists in a dazzling run of form
over his past four league games.
“I wouldn’t say it was easy for me to leave PSG, but it’s good for my
development,” he told Kicker ahead of the visit of Hoffenheim.
Nkunku has found his feet in Germany, admitting it was tough at PSG where
he was in the shadows behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
“I did play, but only when one of the stars was injured, suspended or
rested. That wasn’t enough for me.” Key stats
11 – Bayern Munich have hit the woodwork 11 times so far this season —
most in the league — and nearly double that of nearest rivals Schalke and
Moenchengladbach (six).
24 – Gladbach’s wins in 102 league games against Bayern. They have lost 49
of those meetings with 29 draws.
62 – Robert Lewandowski’s shots so far this season, resulting in 16 league
goals for Bayern.
Fixtures (all times 1430 GMT unless stated)
Friday
Eintracht Frankfurt v Hertha Berlin (1930)
Saturday
Borussia Dortmund v Fortuna Duesseldorf, RB Leipzig v Hoffenheim, Borussia
Moenchengladbach v Bayern Munich, Freiburg v Wolfsburg, Augsburg v Mainz,
Bayer Leverkusen v Schalke 04 (1730)
Sunday
Union Berlin v Cologne, Werder Bremen v Paderborn (1700)