Bayern Munich vs FC Rostov - Thomas Muller expecting tough test against FC Rostov - 7M sport

Bayern Munich vs FC Rostov - Thomas Muller expecting tough test against FC Rostov



Posted Tuesday, September 13, 2016 by PA

Thomas Muller insists Bayern Munich will not underestimate FC Rostov ahead of their Champions League Group D opener on Tuesday at the Allianz Arena.

The five-time European champions will face the Russian side for the first time ever as they look to kick-off their campaign with three points following last year's semi-final defeat against Atletico Madrid.

Having been drawn against Atletico, PSV Eindhoven and Rostov in the group stages, the Germany international is expecting a tough test as they look to extend their record of 12 straight wins in Champions League opening matches.

"Rostov will defend very compactly and be physical," Muller said at the club's press conference.

"We are professional enough to know that there are no easy games and it will be tough."

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer echoed his team-mate's sentiments, saying: "They beat Ajax 4-1 to qualify, so they must be good. We want to win the Champions League - that's always our goal. But we know we aren't the only ones who want that."

Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Kingsley Coman, Arjen Robben and Jerome Boateng will not feature against Rostov despite all three players training with the squad on Monday. But Joshua Kimmich and Douglas Costa are both fit to start.

"We have been using this week to prepare Coman for Saturday, so he won't be on the bench tomorrow," Ancelotti said.

"Robben and Boateng started training with us again yesterday, but they need more time to build up their fitness. Hopefully they will be ready to play by next week."

Champions League debutants Rostov enter the competition after finishing second in the Russian Premier League last season before upsetting Ajax 5-2 on aggregate in the play-off round.

Papa Gueye, Micah Mevlut and Andrew Prepelita should retain their places in Ivan Daniliants' side after starting in their 2-1 win over Krylya Sovetov at the weekend.

Rostov conceded only 20 goals in 30 games last season, topping the Russian Premier League defensive charts.



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