Rummenigge calls for Bayern response

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says his side must bounce back from their shock 3-1 defeat at BATE Borisov.

Jupp Heynckes’ team had been victorious in nine consecutive games in all competitions prior to Tuesday’s Champions League clash.

Rummenigge believes Bayern’s Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim on Saturday can provide the perfect opportunity for his team to get back to winning ways.

“I think it’s crucial that we don’t allow this defeat to throw us off course,” the former West Germany international told Bundesliga.com.

“It’s important that we respond immediately against Hoffenheim on Saturday, go full throttle once again and show our Bundesliga rivals that Bayern may have lost, but we aren’t down and out.”

Bayern coach Heynckes could be set to welcome back David Alaba at the Allianz Arena, but star wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are injured and doubtful, respectively, through injury.

Goalkeeper Tom Starke, meanwhile, warned the 22-time Bundesliga champions against underestimating his former side.

“They made a poor start, but they’ve begun to recover with seven points from the last three matches, which is a good effort,” the 31-year-old said.

Hoffenheim coach Markus Babbel said he hoped his side would continue their progress.

“It’s important that we continue along our current path,” he said.

“Confidence and hope is the over-riding factor. We’ve got to go about our daily routine somehow.”