“We want to annoy them.” – Granit Xhaka on Bayer Leverkusen’s upcoming clash with Bayern Munich

On Saturday evening, Bayer Leverkusen will travel to Bavaria to take on the challenge of Bayern Munich in what may already be a six-pointer at the top of the Bundesliga table.

Despite having become the first side to ever lift the Meisterschale unbeaten last season, Die Werkself have already fallen to defeat this campaign in a 3-2 loss at home to RB Leipzig.

As for Der Rekordmeister, they are enjoying a perfect start to life under new head coach Vincent Kompany, boasting the best attacking record and defensive record in the league.

However, unlike the reigning champions, Bayern are yet to face their first real test this season, and should they flourish against Xabi Alonso’s side, then there will undoubtedly be reason to suggest that they could reclaim their status as Germany’s finest.

Nevertheless, speaking to Sky Germany, Granit Xhaka explained that Leverkusen are prepared for their clash at the Allianz Arena despite the pressure, perhaps having been taken off the record champions:

“This is a Champions League opponent. That’s what the coach told us today. We obviously know how much potential Bayern have and what new ideas the new coach, Vincent Kompany, will bring to their game. We have of course analysed their games, and you can see that a lot of things are working very well. Almost every shot is a goal for them. Their offence is very strong, and they concede fewer goals in defence. It’s definitely going to be a top game, and we’re ready for it.”

“The pressure is not necessarily greater, but different. If you become champions and cup winners, the pressure on our side would obviously have to be a bit higher, but I have the feeling that we can handle the pressure very well and have the experience to do so. The young players are also doing very well. A game in Munich against Bayern is always something special, and we are looking forward to it.”

As well as this, Xhaka revealed the goals for Die Werkself this season:

“We want to be at the top for as long as possible! Of course, we have our goals internally, but externally it’s a different story. With the motto “take it one game at a time,” we made good progress last year and will continue with this motto this year. We have a block of three to four games that the coach always talks about. Now the next step is Bayern Munich, and we want to annoy them a bit—just like last season.”

It is clear that Alonso’s side will not apply pressure to themselves publicly.

Still, internally, there is a different opinion on what they want to achieve this season, and should they look to reach their goals, then they will need to iron out their vulnerabilities before Saturday, as Bayern will expose them given the chance.

GGFN | Will Shopland