'Full throttle' and 'balance' against Gladbach

Will Arjen Robben start against Gladbach? Carlo Ancelotti has a short and sweet answer: “Yes.” The Dutch winger was involved in three of the four goals against PSV Eindhoven during the week and FC Bayern will want to have him in the side as they look to get back to winning ways in the Bundesliga on Saturday (kick-off 18:30 CEST and you can follow the game via our Live Ticker). “We want to attack, win and play well,” said Ancelotti the day before the home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach. He continued, “The play and set-up were good against Eindhoven. I think the players have understood what they have to do tomorrow. And they will do it.”

The players will again go “full throttle,” stressed Thomas Müller because “other sides are hot on our heels in the Bundesliga.” Mats Hummels is also targeting three points against the Foals, who travel to Munich with confidence following their 2-0 win over Celtic in the Champions League. “We have a very difficult task ahead of us, but we are at home and want to dominate the game from the very first second,” said the centre back.

“The most difficult opponents”

However, it is not just the result in Glasgow that means Bayern have to be on their guard against Gladbach. “Borussia Mönchengladbach have been one of the most difficult opponents for us in recent times in the Bundesliga – at least statistically,” said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, recalling that Bayern have won just two points from their last four league games against Borussia.

Carlo Ancelotti knows that too. “I know about the history of games between Bayern and Gladbach. Bayern have always had it difficult, and that’s why we need a really good performance. We have to play with really high intensity,” said the FCB head coach, who also warned about Borussia’s counter-attacking play. “Gladbach are strong on the counter with really good and quick forwards. We have to be weary of that and find the right balance.”

Ribéry only absentee

The 57-year-old had good news from training: "The team is really focussed.” Franck Ribéry remains the only injury but “all other players are in great shape.” Especially Arjen Robben, who said after the win over PSV, “We are playing another side in the Champions League on Saturday. We have to keep going.”