Nico Kovac Urges Bayern To Overcome Dortmund

By Joshua Walters

Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac has disclosed his side is cautious in defeating Borussia Dortmund to return to the Bundesliga submmit as they battle it out in the 100th 'Der Klassiker'.

Dortmund are leading the table with 63 points, two points above Bayern Munich, who could leapfrog their opponents to retain the top spot with a win in Saturday’s game.

The ambitions of both clubs in the Champions League were shattered by English clubs, leaving them to set their concentration on the domestic titles, and Kovac insists his side are desperate for the maximum three points.

'Second place is the first loser. We want to win,' said Kovac.

'The game on Saturday is very, very important. We all know what's at stake and what will be demanded of us both defensively and going forward.

'It will be an interesting game between two evenly-matched teams. The players, the fans and the club will give everything to win this.'

'It's about responsibility and discipline,' he said. 'I do not just start with the defenders, it starts earlier. You have to be ready, no matter what your level.

'France have become world champions because they played well but also defended well. 

'It is not for nothing that titles are decided at the back. We have to come back to defending well, as individuals and as a team.

'That's what we have to go back to, but you have to want it even if you're an artist. It will be an interesting game. The team that makes fewer mistakes will win.'

'This game is very special - Bayern v Dortmund,' he said. 'The table is close, seven games remain, and two great teams.

'If we win, nothing is decided, if we draw, nothing is decided, if we lose nothing is decided. It's completely open!