Vincent Kompany acknowledged that the journey from Bayern Munich to Union Berlin in the Bundesliga will not be easy because they want to come back to winning ways.
Bayern, who had sent Joao Palhinha in the first half, suffered a 3-2 defeat to struggle at home last weekend and was given a 2-0 lead.
On Tuesday, the Bavarians had a trust boost with a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, giving them a total 5-0 win and a place in the last eight, where they encounter against Italy's Inter.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern are eight points free from ruling champions Leverkusen, which are in second place, despite the surprise house loss last week for Bochum after also giving up an advantage of two goals.
“There are no easy games. We have to win, that's where we start,” Kompany told a press conference.
“Union did very well against Frankfurt and won the last time. It is very clear what they do and they can always pose a threat.
“Our question is that we deliver a complete performance and pick up three points. Of course that is not easy in the Bundesliga. That is football.”
Bayern's 3-2 defeat against Bochum was just their second Bundesliga loss of the season. It means that they have now dropped points in two of their last four league games (D1 L1), as often as in their previous 15 league matches together (also D1 L1).
This season, the League leaders only endured a two-game Winless Run, in September and October (1-1 against Leverkusen, 3-3 at Eintracht Frankfurt).
Union, in 14th place, struggled in the competition this season, but bounced back last week after three consecutive losses with a 2-1 way victory at fourth place Frankfurt.
They have won only one of their last nine home competitions (D3 L5), but have not been lucky against Bayern in the Bundesliga. Bayern has not lost any of their 11 games against Union in the competition (W8 D3).
Kompany said that Union had done well to win at Frankfurt and that he was full of praise for one side he expects to give some surprises on Saturday.
“They are a team that lives for special moments,” he added. “They have an interesting way to move the ball at the start of a phase.
“These are small moments of chaos that can bring energy in particular in home games. They try to defend in a compact way, but also have players who not only defend about. They can defend, but can also put pressure.
“We don't go there and underestimate the opposition. We know their quality and need our best performance. Then there is a chance that we can win.”
Bayern is on 61 points, with Leverkusen, who travel to Stuttgart on Sunday, at 53, and surprise package Mainz in third place at 44.
Comments