Bayern upbeat but with respect for Bremen

FC Bayern have a clear goal for Saturday's match away to Werder Bremen (live in English from 15.30 CET on our exclusive fcbayern.com ticker) after their strong performance in Tuesday's 5-1 Champions League victory. "We'll pool all our resources and want to turn in a good display. We want to pick up where we left off and take three points," Hasan Salihamidzic declared after the match against Benfica.

"That would be a first step in the Bundesliga too," added the sporting director. After patchy displays in the last few weeks the Bavarians aim to make use of the confidence gained in Europe's elite club competition. "We want to build on this performance in Bremen. We absolutely want to win, which is important in our situation," commented Thomas Müller. His coach agreed: "We need to turn in an absolutely top display. We have to perform if we don't want to get left behind by the teams at the top," said Niko Kovac before the squad's departure to the north.

Coman, Gnabry and Thiago available

The German record champions lie fifth in the table and must not let the gap to the top spots grow - the Reds are one point behind Leipzig in fourth, and nine short of league leaders Dortmund. Besides, Bremen are only three points behind the men from Munich. But the Bavarians are buoyed by Tuesday's result and have more options than in the last few weeks: Kingsley Coman, Thiago and Serge Gnabry might be available to play at the weekend. "They've resumed the usual training, which means we would have 17 fit outfield players. That would mean one is surplus to requirements," Kovac noted.

His counterpart at Bremen has "an embarassment of riches to choose from," said Florian Kohfeldt at the press conference. That does not make it easier for Bayern, who have a lot of respect for their opponents. "They play fine football," said Müller, but added: "Although they've been less successful in the last few matches."

Same system as on Tuesday?

After a strong start to the season, Werder have only taken one point from their last four games, losing their last two at home. "We know we want and have to take some points before the winter break. It's going to be difficult against Bayern, but it's not impossible," a confident Kohfeldt said. Counter-attacks are only one of the 36-year-old's options. "You can't chase the ball for 80 or 90 minutes, you need to have possession too."

Bayern aim to cut down Bremen's time on the ball as much as possible, which is why Kovac is considering fielding two defensive midfielders again: "It gave us stability so we could make use of our quality up front." It worked out well against Benfica on Tuesday, and Bayern aim to repeat that.