Bayern Munich vs Lille OSC preview - Heynckes urges Bayern focus

Posted Wednesday, November 07, 2012 by PA

Jupp Heynckes has told his Bayern Munich side to forget the hype when they take on Group F strugglers Lille at the Allianz Arena.

The Germans, last season's runners-up, have recorded 15 wins from their previous 16 home European ties and head into the match on the back of an impressive 3-0 win in Hamburg, which maintained their lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

After suffering a shock 3-1 loss at BATE Borisov on matchday one, Heynckes' men will be targeting maximum points to take full advantage of the meeting between the Belarus side and Valencia at Mestalla.

"I expect more from the team," he told a press conference. "We have achieved nothing yet.

"We must ignore all the praise which is coming over us, especially since our victory in Hamburg.

"There are no easy opponents in the Champions League.

"Lille already showed us from the first game that they have power, they will try everything again and I expect the same again.

"My side knows what they have to do and will try to exploit our full potential."

Winger Franck Ribery feels Bayern must bring the match to his countrymen.

The France international said: "We have to play like we did in Hamburg and get the three points.

"We will not make the mistake of taking the game lightly and focus from the first few minutes."

Arjen Robben is set to return to the side following his injury lay-off, but striker Mario Mandzukic is doubtful after missing training with a virus.

After being beaten 1-0 at home by Bayern a fortnight ago, Lille's hopes of qualification for the Europa League even now looks out of reach following their three successive defeats, which leaves them bottom of the group having come through the play-offs.

However, Rudi Garcia's side produced their second successive Ligue 1 victory, winning 2-0 at Evian, as they look to get their campaign back on track, and are now only five points behind leaders Paris St Germain.

"We know that we will have to be above our overall potential, at least 120 per cent, but in any one match, everything is possible," said Garcia.

"It will be important to believe in our chances, and the players are convinced that they can get a result.

"This is the kind of game we love and dream to play, and so it requires a good performance."

Defenders Mathieu Debuchy (calf) and Marko Basa (hamstring) will be assessed for the French side.