Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany says victory at Borussia Dortmund is like winning a ‘mini title’, with his side eight points clear at the Bundesliga summit.
BAYERN Munich coach Vincent Kompany has framed Saturday’s Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund as a ‘mini title’ decider.
His league leaders are eight points clear at the summit and can take a major step towards defending their crown with a victory.
It is a rematch of the 2013 Champions League final, with ‘Der Klassiker’ representing a growing rivalry between Germany’s two biggest football powers.
Dortmund’s slim trophy hopes this season hinge on beating Bayern after their midweek Champions League exit.
“It’s a ‘Klassiker’. For me, it’s always a title in its own right,” Kompany said. “These games are also important to the masses, so it’s also a smaller title. Winning there is an absolute priority for us.”
Bayern, who have lost just once in the league this season, won the reverse fixture 2-1 in October. That remains Dortmund’s only domestic defeat of the campaign.
Kompany also confirmed captain Manuel Neuer is set to return from a calf injury. “Manu actually looks good; we thought he might be out for a longer period,” the coach said.
If he plays, it will be Neuer’s 45th appearance against Dortmund and potentially his last. The Bayern veteran’s contract expires this summer when he turns 40.
