The international break is over, and the Bavarians have turned their focus to the upcoming phase of midweek matches. After four matches without a victory, the German record champions travel to face VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday (Live from 15.30 CEST on our exclusive fcbayern.com ticker), aiming to return to winning ways and gain confidence for the seven matches in the next 21 days.
"As a matter of fact the results aren't acceptable, the last four matches didn't go to plan," said head coach Niko Kovac before the final training session on Friday. The atmosphere in the team is "positive despite the situation," according to Kovac, who explained that this is crucial in light of the upcoming four consecutive away matches in the Bundesliga, the Champions League and the DFB Cup.
"We must and we want to think positive, the working atmosphere is good, the passion is there," stressed the 47-year-old. The Bavarians aim to "turn the tide" and return to winning ways in Wolfsburg. "Life consists of success and failure. Success is important for your confidence - and that's what we'll take." To do that, Bayern must "minimise the mistakes at the back. And up front we have to try to make the most of the chances we create."
Kovac expects an "interesting, difficult and intense match" in Wolfsburg. The men from Lower Saxony have improved and had a "very good start" to the season. "They're better than in the last two years," stressed Kovac, who has the full squad at his disposal, apart from long-term absentees Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso. James was the last Bayern international to return to Munich from national team duty, arriving on Thursday evening.
Wolfsburg coach Bruno Labbadia sees a chance for his team in light of Bayern's recent results. "We recently saw they can be beaten," said the former Bayern pro, who warned against underestimating the situation: "We mustn't let Bayern's current situation influence us. I don't expect them to come here nervous," added Labbadia.
After two victories at the beginning of the season, Wolfsburg are winless in five, drawing three and losing two matches. Labbadia will have to make do without captain Josuha Guilavogui (rehab after cruciate ligament rupture), Ignacio Camacho (ankle surgery) and Felix Klaus (abdominal muscle surgery). Robin Knoche and Jérôme Roussillon are rated doubtful.
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