Only three days after the convincing 2-0 victory over Benfica, FC Bayern travel to face Schalke on Saturday (live in English from 18.30 CEST on our exclusive fcbayern.com ticker) in the Bundesliga. The Bavarians have hardly any time to reflect on their successful start to the Champions League campaign. "We're happy about the start we made, but it's over," said Niko Kovac at Friday's press conference. "It's Bundesliga time. We want to pick up where we left off against Leverkusen."
The German record champions aim to seal a fourth victory in their fourth league match. "But it's not going to be easy. We have to live up to our full potential, and if so we'll win," added the Bayern boss. Kovac does not think his team will be less motivated after the victory in Europe's elite club competition. "They know what's at stake," said the Croat, who is impressed by his players' attitude: "It's incredible how each one motivates himself."
Special match for Goretzka and Neuer
"Everybody wants to play, and the lads don't realise they can't always play. But the matches are very intense," said the 46-year-old, who is set to rotate his squad away to Schalke. "We coaches don't just stand on the touchline, watching the match and hoping we'll win. We have to plan in advance. That's why we have to find the right rotation and balance."
The personnel situation has not changed. Thiago, who was sidelined against Benfica due to a toe problem, resumed training on Friday. Kovac declined to reveal his starting line-up, but former Schalke men Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka are promising candidates.
Schalke need points
"I'm looking forward to returning to Gelsenkirchen and hope to see my former team-mates again, compete with them and play at the arena. It's a special match for me," said Goretzka, who has no intention of giving anything away. Schalke, who have lost all three league matches so far, are yearning for points. "But I don't want to draw any conclusions after only three matchdays," said Kovac.
His counterpart at Schalke is not worried either. "Defeats are no burden, that's not how we approach things. We're really looking forward to the match," declared Domenico Tedesco. "The lads are very composed and focused, they have a certain respect for the current situation," added the Schalke coach, who aims to turn the tide against Bayern.
Goretzka, who wore the Royal Blue kit for five years before joining Bayern, duly issued a warning. "Extremes are the norm at Schalke. You can slip into a negative trend quite easily, but you can also fight your way out quickly," said the 23-year-old, who would prefer his old colleagues to return to winning days at a later date: "After the match they can win all they want." On Saturday Goretzka aims to come away with all three points.
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