Van Gaal expects stern Roma test

Louis van Gaal is wary of a Roma side on the rise as Bayern Munich look to seal first place in Champions League Group E.

The German champions play in the Italian capital on Tuesday with a perfect record in Europe so far this season and need only a draw to ensure top hounours in their group.

Bayern manager Van Gaal said he was expecting a tough contest from Claudio Ranieri’s side, but claims his team carry plenty of confidence into the match despite their poor domestic record this term.

“We want to play the best we can tomorrow because recently we’ve had a lot of problems in the Bundesliga and this is the right time to change our attitude,” van Gaal said.

“We have not lost our last matches and I think the players have regained their self-confidence and therefore I also think this is the right time for that positive turn.”

Despite only needing one point to win the group, Bayern forward Mario Gomez said the side could not afford to sit back and play for a draw at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We will try to play a perfect match because the Rome team is very strong and has very strong players,” Gomez said.

“We must try to win at least one point, but playing for just one point could be dangerous.”

Captain Mark van Bommel did not make the trip to Italy with his team-mates because of a knee injury, but Franck Ribery is a chance to make his return to the starting line up.

Defender Martin Demichelis is also back in training and should be part of van Gaal’s squad.

The Dutch manager also gave his take on comments from Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who told reporters on Monday that star midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger would not be sold even if he does not sign a contract extension past 2012.

With Schweinsteiger’s current deal set to expire in June 2012, Rummenigge said the club would hold onto him even if it meant losing him on a free transfer.

“As I have said previously, I think Bayern as a German team should have German players,” van Gaal said.

“The two players with German nationality – certainly the most important of the team – are Schweinsteiger and Lahm. So naturally, I want to keep Schweinsteiger at Bayern Munich.”