Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig - Hasenhuttl claims Leipzig have nothing to fear

Posted Friday, October 27, 2017 by PA

RB Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhuttl believes his side have nothing to fear from a trip to Bayern Munich after coming agonisingly close to beating the Bundesliga champions in midweek.

Bayern won a penalty shoot-out 5-4 after the two sides drew 1-1 in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday, with Emil Forsberg giving the home side the lead after Naby Keita was sent off.

Thiago Alcantara equalised for Bayern and the visitors eventually edged into the next round after Manuel Neuer's understudy Sven Ulreich denied Timo Werner.

"If you can win in Dortmund then you needn't have any fear about playing in Munich," Hasenhuttl told a pre-match press conference. "So we'll go out there with the same brashness and the same mentality.

"We've already fought a few battles away from home. Hopefully we're in the mood for another one."

Midfielder Stefan Ilsanker remains sidelined with a broken toe, but Portuguese forward Bruma will have his muscle injury assessed to see if he can face Bayern.

Bayern head coach Jupp Heynckes could be boosted by the return of James Rodriguez from a back injury and wants the home crowd in the Allianz Arena to play their part on Saturday.

"It'll certainly be another great match," Heynckes told the club's website. "In our stadium, with the support of the fans, we're a powerful force. That can perhaps help to overcome any fatigue.

"After 120 minutes it's not easy for either team to get back into their normal rhythm. Obviously there's a bit of tiredness there for both teams.

"But when the game starts, when the adrenaline levels go up, you can vanquish that and find that rhythm again."

France international Kingsley Coman has been passed fit following a knee problem and Heynckes added: "It'll be a top-quality, motivated side that I put out."