Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 8y

Granit Xhaka: Gladbach won't park bus in Bayern Munich Bundesliga clash

Granit Xhaka is the latest Borussia Monchengladbach player to promise Bayern Munich a battle in next weekend's Bundesliga clash at Borussia-Park.

Bayern have stormed past their domestic opponents this season, scoring three or more goals in nine of their 14 league games to lead the German top flight by eight points.

Only Hoffenheim, Augsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin have avoiding crushing defeats against Pep Guardiola's side, with Hertha beaten 2-0 on Saturday after sitting back following Bayern's first-half goals.

Bayern travel to Gladbach on Saturday, with the hosts undefeated in nine games under new coach Andre Schubert.

Last season the Foals not only picked up four points against Guardiola's side, but also avoided conceding a single goal.

Gladbach captain Xhaka vowed his team will not hide against Bayern, telling kicker after the 3-3 draw at Hoffenheim that they do not fear the champions.

"Of course, [Bayern] are playing in a different league [than Hoffenheim], but we will also get our chances against them," Switzerland international Xhaka said. "We will not be as open as against Hoffenheim, but we will certainly not park the bus."

Fabian Johnson -- who has been dubbed "Magic" Johnson by local paper Rheinische Post following his brace against Hoffenheim -- had previously said Gladbach will carry on attacking against runaway leaders Bayern.

"They should also feel that we are on a roll," said the U.S. international. "We are in top form, play courageously and step on the gas in attack. Why should we change that against Bayern?"

^ Back to Top ^