FC Bayern have been attentive and fully concentrated on the training pitch at Säbener Straße as they prepare themselves for the away game at Hertha Berlin on matchday 7 (15:30CEST on Sunday, live via our ticker). Thomas Müller & co. have left it in no doubt that they are out to put the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain behind them.
“We have to win – no other option,” was the opinion of players such as Arjen Robben looking ahead to this game. There is also the news that the record champions will have to do it without Arturo Vidal (muscle problems) as well as long-term absentees Manuel Neuer and Juan Bernat. However, interim coach Willy Sagnol has numerous options to choose from as he takes charge of his first Bayern game.
Good memories in Berlin
The Frenchman will also come up against a team he has good memories of. The 40-year-old scored the last of his seven Bundesliga goals in October 2006 against Hertha. He is not the only FCB member with positive memories because this Bayern squad has won eleven of their last twelve games against the Old Lady. Only the most recent meeting was a draw.
Robben was also involved in this 1-1 draw and it was the first time the Dutchman has failed to win against the capital club. The 33-year-old had won all of the previous seven meetings against Hertha, as well as scoring eight goals and providing two assists. The winger will want to build on this record on Sunday, and at the same time cut the gap to leaders Borussia Dortmund in the table.
It would also be the perfect response to the demand set by sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, who expects “a reaction from the team.” Berlin coach Pal Dardai is also wary of this reaction. “I’m expecting an instant reaction and that’s why we have to be careful,” warned the Hungarian, who will be without his suspended captain Vedad Ibisevic and centre-back Sebastian Langkamp (calf).
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