Out of the break, into the Bundesliga! After a two-week recess without any international call-ups, FC Bayern return to competitive action on Saturday evening - and do so with a mouth-watering clash. Julian Nagelsmann’s side host RB Leipzig (live ticker and free Webradio from 18:30 CET on fcbayern.com), who have hit good form under new coach Domenico Tedesco. “I’m expecting a good match. We’re in good form, so are Leipzig,” stated Nagelsmann ahead of the headline fixture on Matchday 21 of the Bundesliga. “Leipzig are one of the most interesting teams in Europe. It’s a big test for us.” We bring you the most important information ahead of the home match in our concise preview.
The best images from Friday’s final training session:
The situation for Bayern
After starting the year with a 2-1 defeat against Borussia Mönchengladbach, the German record champions are bidding for their first home win of 2022 against the Saxony club, and their ninth of this season. For the first time since late November, fans will be allowed back into the Allianz Arena, with up to 10,000 able to cheer on Nagelsmann’s team. For the 34-year-old Bayern coach, it’s a reunion with his former club - as it is for Joshua Kimmich, Marcel Sabitzer and Dayot Upamecano. For Nagelsmann, “it’s always exciting playing against former clubs”, while Upamecano added with a grin: “I’m looking forward to seeing them - and to beating them.” The primary objective remains maintaining the six-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table.
Will Neuer equal the ‘Titan’? The facts on the big match:
The opposition: RB Leipzig
“It’s not a bonus game for us. That would mean that we’d be content if we lose. We just want to be a match for Bayern with everything we’ve got,” declared Tedesco, who took over in mid-December as the successor to Nagelsmann’s successor. The two men know each other well having completed a DFB coaching course together in 2016. Tedesco has overseen five wins in his seven matches in all competitions, including four on the bounce most recently. The Munich men should therefore be warned despite the 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture, with the in-form visitors aiming to continue their pursuit of the Champions League places after climbing back up to sixth place.
Watch Julian Nagelsmann’s pre-match press conference in full:
The team news
As well as Bouna Sarr (Senegal) and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Cameroon), who are still in action at the Africa Cup of Nations in the final and third-place playoff respectively, Alphonso Davies (suspected myocarditis) and Leon Goretzka (recovery from knee problem) remain unavailable. Lucas Hernández picked up a minor knock in training, but Nagelsmann confirmed on Thursday that the Frenchman is fit. The head coach has no other personnel concerns.
Leipzig must do without midfielder Tyler Adams (strain) in Munich. Mohamed Simakan sustained an injury in training on Wednesday but is back in the squad. Amadou Haidara is available again following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, but Marcel Halstenberg hasn’t trained this week due to back problems.
Upamecano on the meeting with his ex-club:
What the coaches say
Julian Nagelsmann: “Domenico had clear processes and structures at Aue and at Schalke, which he has again now. He has a very good idea of football. The team have become steadier again, both defensively and offensively. There’s a bit more focus on possession again. The club and the team have huge potential. The team have good physicality and have also gained attacking firepower. They want to make up for a poor first half of the season. We need to produce a good performance and we’re looking forward to it.”
Domenico Tedesco (RB Leipzig coach): “Ideally we’d like to have more than 50 percent possession, but I think when you play at Bayern, you need to be capable of every facet of football. In principle there are lots of different ways of playing against Bayern, many paths lead to Rome. You can sit deep and counter, you can just focus on transitions, you can try to have a lot of possession. Ultimately you need to be able to cover every facet and do them all well. We certainly want to play our game, that’s for sure.”
A look at Bayern’s record-breaking attack:
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