The Champions League finally returns as Bayern kick off their European campaign away at Inter Milan on Wednesday (coverage on fcbayern.com and in the app with our live text and free web radio). Julian Nagelsmann’s team want to lay down a marker against the Italian giants in the first game of a demanding Group C, which also features Barcelona and Viktoria Plzen. “We’re switching to Champions League mode now. It’s important to start well. We have to try to force our game on the opposition and, above all, score goals,” board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic told media at the airport looking ahead to the fixture at the San Siro. Here’s all you need to know on the game in our preview.
You can watch the first 15 minutes of training in Munich here:
Situation for Bayern
The Bundesliga champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Berlin at the weekend in the league. Nevertheless, Bayern take on Inter full of confidence on the back of scoring 27 goals across the first six competitive matches of the season. “We’re looking forward to the start of the Champions League campaign and are ready for the game. The mood is really very good. We’ve trained with lots of energy and aggression,” said defender Lucas Hernandez. “Bayern should always be among the favourites. Ultimately it’s important to talk less and do more about it,” Nagelsmann added at the press conference on Tuesday at the San Siro. Hernandez also stated the team’s intentions: “We’ve got a tough group but we’re FC Bayern and we want to win every game.”
Bayern have won their opening Champions League game in each of their last 18 participations:
The opposition
Inter qualified for the Champions League as runners-up in Italy. Having previously gone six years without featuring at Europe’s top table, the Nerazzurri are competing here for the fifth season in a row. However, they failed to get beyond the group stage three times and last year were eliminated by Liverpool in the round of 16. Simone Inzaghi’s team were also beaten at the weekend in Serie A, losing their derby 3-2 to AC Milan. “Inter are a good team with lots of internationals, are tough to play against. We have to go into the game totally focused because they’re a really good opponent,” Salihamidzic added. Coach Nagelsmann also said of the Italians: “They’re a very experienced, very tricky team who can knock you with a few niggly challenges.”
We’ve taken a closer look at Inter:
Player update
Mathys Tel is available again after an ankle issue kept him out at the weekend. However, Bouna Sarr has not travelled to Milan due to patella issues. Otherwise Nagelsmann has a fully fit squad to pick from.
Inter are without star striker Romelu Lukaku, who’s out with muscular problems. Defender Dalbert is also sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
All the stats and facts on the Inter clash:
What the coaches say
Julian Nagelsmann: “The Champions League is always special. Hearing the anthem is always nice. We’ll have to solve various situations. They’ll sit deep. I’m looking forward to the game and am confident we can do well.”
Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan head coach): “Bayern have the intensity and aggression to be one of the best teams in Europe. Our fans will be a big help. We know the opponent and their strengths. It’s a very hard group but I think the game has to be a chance after the disappointment of Saturday.”
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