FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund will meet for the 104th time in the Bundesliga on Saturday evening. But unlike in previous years, when BVB have usually been the German record champions' fiercest rivals, things look very different before this clash. FCB currently top the table and are already 13 points in front of Dortmund, who travel to the the Allianz Arena in fifth place. Ahead of Der Klassiker, fcbayern.com spoke to Bayern midfield motor Joshua Kimmich, who has very special memories of the last two meetings.
Joshua Kimmich - The Interview
You're currently 13 points ahead of Dortmund - why is the clash on Saturday still such a charged affair?
Kimmich: "Games against Dortmund are always special. Since I've been here, they've always been our fiercest rivals. The games were usually very tight, especially in Dortmund. We were often able to win at home and that's our goal this time as well. But we know how much quality BVB have and that's why it's a special game, I think for the fans as well."
Heart-stopping moment: Kimmich injured his knee in the reverse fixture in Dortmund and was out of action for more than two months.
You injured your knee in the last clash. What are your memories of the game and how did you manage to get back up to speed so quickly?
"Yes, unfortunately, I got injured in that last game against them. Actually, I felt very, very good before the game. I didn't have the feeling that I was tired. It was an accident, it happens. I immediately tried to focus on my comeback. But for me, the most important thing was not to come back as fast as possible, but to be as strong as beforehand. And for my body to not have any weak points or problem areas afterwards. I've managed that quite well up to this point."
Match-winner! Kimmich's goal in the 82nd minute secured a narrow 3-2 win for FC Bayern over Dortmund in the DFL Supercup.
Your winner in the Supercup was unforgettable. That was an illustration of the team's absolute resolve - will this ability of yours be the deciding factor again on Saturday?
"We need absolute resolve in every game, not just against Dortmund. But especially against them - in a game where two teams are almost on an equal footing. We're a few points ahead, but Dortmund have the quality to compete at the top. That's why mentality might make the difference in the end, so it does have to be evident that we absolutely want this."
In the Bundesliga, Der Klassiker between Bayern and Dortmund has already produced many a story, and we look back on some unforgettable moments:
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