FC Bayern Munchen News

Bayern Munich attacker Xherdan Shaqiri has stated that he does not like being compared to team-mate Franck Ribery.

The former Basel player, who has already started three leagues games for his club, is likely to deputise for the injured Frenchman in the Bavarians’ clash with Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.

While admitting that Ribery is an outstanding model and a world-class player, Shaqiri made clear that he is keen on developing his own style of football.

“On the pitch, I can learn a lot from him. His unpredictability is unique. I like that a lot. But generally I don’t like to compare myself to others. I am myself and not Ribery or anyone else,” Shaqiri told Bild.

“I think that so far, they [Bayern Munich] are very satisfied [with my performances]. I certainly am. I think that [coach] Jupp Heynckes cannot look past me. That’s why he gave me a lot of match time already.”

“Twelve points is a nice cushion. I like that Dortmund have to look up on us from below. But there are many games left and a 12-point advantage right now is not yet enough for the championship.”

Finally, Shaqiri shed some light on how he achieved his extraordinary physique, insisting that his muscularity is hereditary.

“I’m never in the weight room. I never do push-ups at home. My father looked like this, I’m naturally this way.”

Bayer Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia insists his team can defeat Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Sunday suggesting “anything is possible.”

Die Werkself have gone 23 years without a victory away to the Bavarians, who set a league record for the best start this season after eight wins in eight matches.

Hyypia believes the momentum from Thursday’s 4-0 thrashing of Rapid Vienna in the Europa League can help his side break their Munich hoodoo.

“It is going to be tough for us, but you never know – anything is possible in football. Even winning 4-0 in front of 50,000 hostile fans, which is what Leverkusen did at the Ernst-Happel Stadion against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League,” said the Finnish legend to Bundesliga.de.

“It was good to see that we performed for the 90 minutes. I think that gives us confidence for the future because we saw how many goals we can score.”

Sunday’s clash at the Allianz Arena kicks of at 17:30CET.

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has warned his side that claiming victory will be a tough task when they host Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.

The Bavarians sit pretty at the top of the Bundesliga, crucially nine point clear of current champions Borussia Dortmund, having amassed eight wins on the trot.

However, the 67-year-old has warned them not to underestimate their opponents, who are in a good run of their own of late.

“They are in very good shape at the moment,” he commented at a press conference. “They play flowing, attractive football and they are very skilful.

“We would be well-advised to keep our feet on the ground, approach it professionally, and not rely on statistics. Instead, we should carry on doing what we’ve been doing in the league so far.”

Club captain Philipp Lahm echoed his coach’s thoughts regarding the upcoming encounter, maintaining his team-mates would have to be on their toes when entertaining the Werkself.

“From the start, we must be wide awake,” he insisted. “Leverkusen are a dangerous team. “However, if we impose our authority on the game, there can only be one winner, and that will be us.”

The trio of Franck Ribery, Daniel Van Buyten and Javi Martinez will be absent for the home side, who have been boosted by the return of Arjen Robben.

Rudi Voller has stressed that Bayer Leverkusen will have to be at their very best in order to get a result in Sunday’s Bundesliga match away to Bayern Munich.

B04 have not won an away game against Bayern for 23 years, and the former Germany international is desperate for them to end their losing streak in Munich this weekend.

“We’ve beaten Bayern a couple of times at home, but not in Munich,” Voller was quoted as saying on the official Bayern Munich website.

“Well, it’s partly because Bayern are always so strong at home. We’ve come close a couple of times, but just fallen a fraction short. But we’ve not given up hope yet and we’ll give it another try this Sunday.

“Obviously, when you visit the Allianz Arena, you need the ultimate perfect day to come away with anything from Munich, and you need Bayern not to have the same kind of day.”

Thomas Muller has stressed that Bayern Munich are well aware of the fact that they have not achieved anything yet as there is still a long way to go in the title race.

The Bavarians have won their opening eight Bundesliga games and have a five-point lead in the table over second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.

Nevertheless, Muller is not getting carried away following Bayern’s perfect start to the season.

“The coach keeps on reminding us that we have not achieved anything yet and keeps us grounded,” Muller stated to Bild.

“We all realise that we haven’t won the league yet, regardless of our perfect start. With the last two seasons in mind, we will definitely not get complacent.”

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was equally cautious as he pointed out Bayern appeared to be on their way to Bundesliga glory last season, too, before eventually having to settle for second place.

“We were in a similar situation last term. Yet we did not win the Bundesliga title then. We are not getting carried away.”

Bayern are currently preparing for Sunday’s league match against Bayer Leverkusen.