Bayern “need to push on” in Bundesliga against Freiburg

It’s part two of our Freiburg double header as Bayern now go to the Black Forest looking to defend their lead at the Bundesliga summit just four days after elimination from the DFB Cup against the same opponent. Coverage on Saturday is available with our live text commentary and free web radio on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app. Here’s all you need to know about the game.

State of play for Bayern

Bayern haven’t had long to put Tuesday’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Freiburg in the DFB Cup behind them. “It’s about learning from it, drawing conclusions and turning that into a willingness to be at it again. We have reason and right to remain positive,” said head coach Thomas Tuchel at his press conference on Friday. “We’re looking forward, have the next tough task ahead of us and are playing for the title in the Bundesliga. There are enough reasons to dust ourselves down and go on.”

There are once again vital points on the line on Saturday in Freiburg. Last weekend’s 4-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund saw Bayern return to the summit, but the advantage is just two points. BVB host Union Berlin at the same time as FCB play at the Europa-Park Stadion. Victory there will ensure the champions immediately return to winning ways after the cup elimination, defend their position in first place and boost confidence for next Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg away at Manchester City. “Form and understanding only come back when we deal with the process. Then everything will feel easier for us again,” Tuchel added.

Hear more from Tuchel’s press conference here:

Opponents Freiburg

Fresh from their historic win in the cup, Freiburg are looking to take the momentum into their second encounter with Bayern this week. “It’s a special scenario. Both teams are able to adapt to the opponent a bit more,” said Nicolas Höfler, who scored the equaliser on Tuesday. “Bayern will obviously be extremely driven now after the loss. I think they’ll come here with real fire in their bellies,” the midfielder added. Christian Streich’s team are currently well placed in the Bundesliga in fourth place on 47 points. They are also unbeaten since a 5-1 loss in Dortmund at the start of February, picking up 13 points in the ensuing seven games.

Read up on the facts ahead of the game:

Fitness update

Tuchel is set to be without Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (knee issues) and Dayot Upamecano, who is suspended for five yellow cards. Long-term absentees Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer remain on the sidelines, as does Mathys Tel after his muscle strain.

Philipp Lienhart and Lukas Kübler both missed the cup game for Freiburg with a thigh issue and illness respectively but are expected to return to the fold. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is still out after his cruciate ligament tear.

What the coaches say