Next up: Hannover! Games are coming “thick and fast”, according to Jupp Heynckes, at the end of this season for FC Bayern. After the DFB Cup semi-final victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, FCB attentions turn to Hannover in the Bundesliga on Saturday (kick-off: 15:30 CEST, coverage available via our live ticker) before Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Real Madrid.
With one eye on that crucial European tie, Heynckes admitted at Friday’s press conference that, “some players who played on Tuesday won’t start on Saturday.” Besides Kingsley Coman and Arturo Vidal, Heynckes will also be without Corentin Tolisso at Hannover as he continues to recover from a bruised shin. The France international is expected to return to full training early next week.
There is still a small doubt over the fitness of David Alaba for Saturday. The left-back was substituted at half-time in Leverkusen as a precaution due to a slight thigh problem. “We’ll have to see how he feels and how the muscle reacts,” Heynckes explained. Other than that, the coach declared that all other players were available for selection.
Heynckes warns of former club
A former Hannover player, where he scored 25 goals in 86 Bundesliga appearances between 1967 and 1970, Heynckes again stated his intention to “field a team to win”. However, the 72-year-old coach sounded a warning of the team Bayern have beaten in their last 10 meetings. “Hannover have played very well for long periods of this season as a promoted side. They’re a team who play compact football at home, are well organised and have a clear plan.”
Siting 13th in the Bundesliga table, the promoted side will be out for a scalp against the champions. Despite FCB winning their last four of their last five competitive matches by an aggregate scoreline of 21-4, Hannover coach Andre Breitenreiter believes his side have a chance. “We want to win if we can. Why not?” he asked on Thursday. “We’ve already caused big teams problems this year even though Bayern are really strong and always find a way.”
Breitenreiter sees no advantage for his side in the fact that FCB may rest a number of players on Saturday with one eye on the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. “They won’t just hand us this game. I’m sure everyone who plays will be fighting for a place in the team in the Champions League. Everyone’ll be up for it,” said Breitenreiter, who will be without six players due to injury and suspension.
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