Fully focused on the crunch match against Leverkusen - Manuel Neuer update

The omens could hardly be more promising! When FC Bayern host Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the standout fixture of Bundesliga MD 4 on Saturday evening, the whole of Germany can look forward to a spectacular affair. "Both sides get the fans' pulses racing, are in good form and have scored a lot of goals," was how Thomas Müller summed it up. The men from Munich have made a perfect start to the new season with four wins from four games and are top of the table, while Leverkusen are in second place with nine points. In a head-to-head clash with the reigning champions, the record champions now intend to send out a clear signal in the battle for the German footballing throne. The training session on Thursday afternoon also showed that Bayern are ready for the top-of-the-table clash.

Good atmosphere and high intensity in training

After a training-free Wednesday, Harry Kane and Co. looked in the best of spirits ahead of the top-of-the-table clash. In a fantastic atmosphere and showing an extremely high degree of focus, they got down to business on the training pitch at Säbener Straße two days before the game. Head coach Vincent Kompany pushed his players with intensive exercises and game forms. Captain Manuel Neuer returned to squad training. The goalkeeper had had to pull out of last Saturday's game in Bremen shortly before kick-off due to a slight reaction in his thigh and had recently been training individually. Mathys Tel, who had had to sit out the start of the week due to back problems, was also back in training.

The anticipation for the top match against the Werkself is palpable not only among the fans, but also within the FC Bayern team. In particular, the huge joy the Reds have been playing with in recent weeks is fuelling confidence. "The way we're playing football at the moment is fun. The goals are a consequence of our style of play. The dominance, the domination of the opposition, that's new again and it feels good," said Thomas Müller, who at the same time cautioned: "Every time you play against Leverkusen, you come up against really tough opponents. They can play football, they can endure pain, they have a mentality, they never give up. Whenever Leverkusen need another goal, they keep knocking on the door until someone opens it, so the game will be exciting right up to the last minute."

We take a look back at some special crunch encounters between Bayern and Bayer: