Koln vs Bayern Munich preview - Cologne hope to get one past Bayern
Posted Friday, September 26, 2014 by PA
Cologne coach Peter Stoger says his side are looking forward to their clash with Bayern Munich on Saturday, an occasion they want to enjoy and celebrate with three points.
The promoted side go into the clash at the Mungersdorferstadion as the rank outsiders, even if they were unbeaten in the Bundesliga up to their midweek defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach.
The gulf between the two clubs is much wider than the five points which currently separate them in the standings, but that does not intimidate Stoger.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for us to play against many of the best players in Europe and against many world champions, but we want to present ourselves in a way that it will not be an easy game for Bayern," Stoger said at a press conference.
His side have scored only two goals so far this season and that is something they need to improve upon.
"Scoring goals against Bayern is no easier than against any other team, but sooner or later one has got to go in and we're working hard on that happening," said Stoger, who is still without the injured Patrick Helmes, normally his first-choice forward.
Bayern coach Pep Guardiola welcomed Arjen Robben back in midweek, but the Dutchman is not necessarily a guaranteed starter on Saturday.
One eye will be on next Tuesday's trip to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League and Guardiola has been backed by his club's director of sport Matthias Sammer to continue rotating his side.
"If you don't rotate, then you're practically crazy," Sammer said. "It's otherwise impossible for the players to cope.
"One thing is certain - if you only have 10 players, then you're not going to win the league, but at the same time, if you leave a player out and they kick up a fuss, you won't win the league either.
"You've got to strike a balance. You can only win with a good team spirit."
Guardiola appears to have got it right so far this season with Bayern leading the way after five matches, thanks to three wins and two draws.
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