FC Bayern go into Bundesliga matchday 5 in confident mood. After the wins at Leipzig (4-1) and Barcelona (3-0), the team under coach Julian Nagelsmann round off this week with a midweek fixture on Saturday against VfL Bochum at the Allianz Arena (live text and web radio commentary from 18:30 CEST on fcbayern.com). Find out everything you need to know about the match in the preview from fcbayern.com.
In the gallery you can see what happened in the final pre-match training session for Bayern ahead of the home game against Bochum:
The situation for FC Bayern
FC Bayern have emerged from the international break in outstanding form. The convincing 4-1 victory in the Bundesliga top match at RB Leipzig last weekend was followed by a brilliant 3-0 win at Barcelona in the opening fixture in the Champions League. The Reds have won all of the last six matches. FCB now want to build on that against Bochum to maintain pressure on the league leaders VfL Wolfsburg. Bayern are currently second in the table two points behind the Wolves.
Leon Goretzka has extended his contract at FCB to 2026 – the clash with the VfL is very special for the midfielder:
The opponents: VfL Bochum
VfL Bochum are back in the Bundesliga after eleven years. The team coached by Thomas Reis won the Bundesliga 2 title last term and were promoted to Germany's top flight. There's been a rather bumpy start to the new season. A 1-0 defeat at Wolfsburg in the opening fixture was followed by 2-0 home win against Mainz 05. But VfL were then beaten by FC Köln (1-2) and Hertha Berlin (1-3). "Even if Bochum haven't had such good results they are playing well. They've maintained the structure from the promotion season," said Bayern coach Nagelsmann in the pre-match press conference on Friday. "With Zoller, who plays a leading role, they are missing a key player and I'm sorry about that. But they will have another player with incredible pace."
Find out what Julian Nagelsmann said about the clash with Bochum:
Team news for Bayern vs. Bochum
Bayern will have to manage without Kingsley Coman who has undergone a minor heart operation. “"He's doing very well and he has little pain. Once the wound is healed he will be able to start with rehab training and it won't be more than ten days to two weeks before he's back in full training," said Nagelsmann. In addition, Corentin Tolisso, who is still struggling with muscular problems in his calf, will be sidelined for the game on Saturday.
VfL Bochum suffered a bitter injury blow during the week. Simon Zoller, top scorer in the promotion season, suffered a torn cruciate in training. Coach Reis will also have to manage without Cristian Gamboa, Paul Grave, Luis Hartwig and Maxim Leitsch.
What the coaches say
Julian Nagelsmann: "We want to maintain our momentum, remain successful in the league and pick up another three points. Every match is about achieving your own targets and your own aspirations. We are not currently where we want to be in the Bundesliga but instead in second place. It doesn't matter who the opponent is, you always have to push yourself to the limit. That's what we'll do against Bochum. We have to be wary and defend the space behind the back four. Our targets come first and that's about picking up the three points."
Thomas Reis (VfL Bochum coach): "It's important we go into the game with confidence. We will probably have less possession than last week. But that could be enough to spring a surprise. Anybody who's afraid going into a game like this shouldn't be on the pitch."
Here are the facts and stats on the home game against VfL:
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