Thomas Tuchel insists Bayern Munich are favourites ahead of Monchengladbach game

Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel insists his side head to bogey-side Borussia Monchengladbach for Sunday’s Bundesliga clash as favourites.

Tuchel’s side sit joint top after winning their opening two league games – 4-0 at Werder Bremen and 3-1 at home last week against Augsburg.

But Bayern have failed to beat historic rivals Gladbach in their five previous meetings, which included a 5-0 thrashing in the DFB-Pokal in 2021.

Our head coach gives a squad update: “It’s too early for Jamal Musiala to play. We won’t take the risk with him. Minjae Kim had a cramp in his calf, but I’m expecting him and the medical team to say that he is fit to play.” #MiaSanMia #BMGFCB pic.twitter.com/NjEbwfxesS

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) September 1, 2023

Tuchel joked at a press conference: “As soon as a streak goes against us, we don’t believe in streaks.

“We need a good performance. We have to build on the things we did well against Werder Bremen and in the second half against Augsburg.

“(Winning) our duels, being active, working hard out of possession and creating chances – we have to stick to them.

“We go to Gladbach as favourites and with the demand to win there. That’s absolutely our goal.”

Bayern’s rivalry with Gladbach stems from the mid-60s when both clubs won promotion to the top flight and they shared nine successive Bundesliga titles in the 70s.

“We know what’s coming, Tuchel added. “It’s emotional, a special game, a lot of history – and that’s what you’re up against.

“We have to play to our principles and know that we aren’t alone, are doing this as a team and that our own game is the focus. I’m confident there.

“Obviously you always need some luck in games, but it’s in our own hands.”

A whirlwind start for @HarryKane!

Powered by @AWSCloud here are the #BundesligaMatchFacts behind the debut of @FCBayern‘s new No. 9! #Bundesliga | #MD1 | @HKane pic.twitter.com/JOrRclR1qr

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) August 23, 2023

Gladbach, who have won three and drawn two of their previous five encounters with Bayern, are bidding for their first league win of the season.

They drew 4-4 at Augsburg on the opening day before losing 3-0 at home to Bayer Leverkusen last week.

Swiss head coach Gerardo Seoane, who replaced Daniel Farke in June, said: “We have to be brave, defend from the front, so the gaps are smaller.

“If we manage to squeeze the field, we have the chance to contest more physical challenges than we managed against Leverkusen. We have to improve in that area.”

Seoane: “FC Bayern have players of huge quality in every position. There’s a lot of talk about Harry Kane of course. He is an extremely reliable striker. This type of player fits perfectly into Bayern’s system and is something they were previously missing.”#BMGFCB pic.twitter.com/Yj389EiOt2

— Gladbach (@borussia_en) August 31, 2023

Former Leverkusen and Young Boys boss Seoane said his side will have to pay particular attention to new Bayern fans’ favourite Harry Kane.

The England captain has scored three goals in his first two league appearances since completing his £86.4million move from Tottenham.

Seoane added: “He’s a centre-forward who’s extremely good at finishing. He doesn’t need many chances to score. That doesn’t make defending against him any easier.”