Pavard: 'Union like to tackle, but they can also play good football'

There are still three games to go for FC Bayern before the winter break. In a packed week in the Bundesliga, the league leaders will face three teams from the top six in the table. The first match will be the away game this Saturday (18:30 CET) at 1. FC Union Berlin. fcbayern.com spoke to Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard ahead of the clash with the Irons.

Benjamin Pavard: The interview

The next match on Saturday is against Union Berlin, who some are calling the surprise of the season. What do you think about them as a team?
Pavard: "I played there in the 2019 relegation play-offs with Stuttgart. They were a very physical team back then. This year, as last year, they've made great progress, including with players like Christian Gentner, with whom I played in Stuttgart. They really try to play with the ball and are performing well this year."

What are your expectations from the match?
"It’s certainly going to be a difficult match there. We know they’re a team who like to tackle but they can also play good football."

Union have one of the strongest attacks this season alongside Dortmund. What do you need to watch out for against them?
"We know our qualities and don’t have to fear any team. We’re going to play our football. They’re performing well in attack, but so are we. In this match we have to be good defensively, be very strong and try not to concede goals against a good Union Berlin team, who are also very good in attack. It’s going to be an interesting match on Saturday."

Max Kruse, Union's top scorer is also going to miss out. Will that make the match easier for Bayern?
"There are no ‘easier’ matches. He’s certainly a good player. He was good with Werder Bremen. He provides assists and scores goals, so Union will definitely miss him. But you can’t say the match is going to be easier because hes won't be there. Someone will replace him. We can’t focus on just one name but have to focus on the whole team. We’re going to play our football to win this game."

Starting situation, team news & more - find out all you need to know about the game at Union in our preview: