Hoffenheim vs Bayern - Nagelsmann: Bayern must no longer underestimate Hoffenheim

Posted Friday, September 08, 2017 by PA

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann believes Hoffenheim can "get under the skin" of Bayern Munich when the unbeaten clubs clash in the third week of Bundesliga action on Saturday.

Hoffenheim took four points from their two league games against Bayern last season, with the 1-0 home win in April marking their first ever victory in 18 meetings.

"One thing is certain, Bayern won't underestimate us any more," Nagelsmann told the club website. "I think they're treating this match on Saturday as a very important encounter, which most likely wasn't the case in the second half of last season.

"They were a bit frustrated that they didn't beat us last season. You could see it in the Telekom Cup (in pre-season), where they were much more prepared for us.

"We can get under Bayern's skin, which we proved we're capable of in one and a half matches last season. Nevertheless, the result against Bayern is always dependent upon their own performance.

"If they're on top of their game, it's very difficult to come away with anything. But if they're not completely fit and we have a good day, then something could happen. It's definitely in the back of our minds that we've beaten them and that we could pull it off again."

However, Nagelsmann has numerous injury problems to deal with as Adam Szalai is out of action until further notice with a hip adductor injury, while Serge Gnabry is sidelined with an ankle problem.

Stefan Posch is also out with a torn ankle ligament and there are doubts over Steven Zuber (hamstring) and Benjamin Hubner (thigh).

Bayern will be without defender David Alaba after he suffered an ankle injury on international duty, but Sebastian Rudy is expected to be fit to face his former club after being forced off during Germany's 6-0 World Cup qualifying win over Norway on Monday.

"It's great that so early in the season we've come to the point where I can play against my old friends," said Rudy, who made more than 200 appearances for Hoffenheim before moving to Munich in the summer.

"I want to take on more responsibility, because at this club there's nowhere to hide. I will work hard every day so things go as well as before."