Vincent Kompany, manager of Bayern Munich, asserts that triumphing in *Der Klassiker* against Borussia Dortmund is an accomplishment worthy of a title in itself.
This Saturday, the Bundesliga’s leading two clubs will clash, with Bayern aiming to extend their advantage over their closest competitors to an impressive 11 points.
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“It is indeed a *Klassiker*. That carries significant weight, and considering it’s currently a direct confrontation between the league leaders, we have the opportunity to highlight its immense importance,” Kompany stated during his pre-match press briefing.
“For the Bundesliga, it’s crucial that this is a major event – teams should not be hesitant, rather, we need sides proclaiming, ‘I want to defeat Dortmund.’ And Dortmund should hold a similar conviction.
“That’s precisely what elevates its significance; that’s how it should operate. I’ve consistently maintained that the *Klassiker* represents a distinct trophy. The reality is, these particular matches are so pivotal they merit their own specific accolade.
“The outcome will not alter our mindset; we intend to maintain our forward momentum. We are progressing well and are determined to fight to uphold that trajectory.”
Dortmund is still recovering from their heartbreaking, last-minute Champions League elimination by Atalanta during the week, having squandered a two-goal advantage from the initial leg.
“It’s certainly a setback, and that was the kind of fixture Dortmund had a real chance to advance from, so that undeniably carries a psychological impact, though its consequences can manifest in either positive or negative ways,” Kompany commented.
“What is within our control is our approach to this match, and we’ve had an excellent week. We sensed it was a *Klassiker* week. There were even moments during training when we displayed that healthy competitive edge that I appreciate so much.
“We have prepared meticulously for this game and aim to sustain that performance once the match begins.”
This Bundesliga season, Dortmund stands as the sole team undefeated at home, while Bayern remains unbeaten on the road.
Goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer‘s participation is questionable after a calf muscle tear sidelined him two weeks prior. Reserve keeper Jonas Urbig started in last week’s 3-2 victory over Frankfurt.
“In my opinion, [Neuer’s rehabilitation] is progressing quite well, but it might not be enough for tomorrow,” Kompany remarked. “Nevertheless, I intend to discuss this further with Manu.”
With Neuer’s contract expiring at the season’s end and his future uncertain, this could mark the 39-year-old goalkeeping icon’s final *Klassiker* for Bayern.
Hiroki Ito is sidelined “for the foreseeable future” due to a hamstring tear. This is the latest in a series of injury woes for the defender, who was out from March to November recovering from a recurrence of a previous foot fracture.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac stated that his squad is eager to put their defensive struggles against Atalanta behind them and focus on delivering a “100% strong performance tomorrow from kick-off to the final whistle.”
“I must say, we are all looking forward to it – the entire team, the entire staff,” Kovac affirmed. “We are absolutely determined to present a completely different showing than we did in Bergamo [against Atalanta].”
Kovac confirmed that Dortmund will still be without defender Niklas Süle, who also missed the Atalanta fixture due to a thigh injury.
This report includes contributions from PA and The Associated Press.