The Bundesliga is set to resume again after the international window: Borussia Dortmund will be away to Bayern Munich in the top match of Bundesliga Matchday 27 on Saturday (18:30 CET).

"We're heading into the final phase of the season. It's the most exciting phase because all the decisions are made. We're now up against opponents that will demand everything from us. We're looking forward to showing that we're ready to invest everything in order to achieve our goals," said BVB coach Edin Terzic. His team will initially take on second-placed Bayern Munich in the home straight of the season, which will also involve clashes with third-placed Stuttgart, league leaders Leverkusen and fifth-positioned Leipzig, with whom fourth-placed BVB are currently battling for a place in the Champions League. "The goal is always to win, regardless of our position in the table. We're entering a phase where we can't allow ourselves many slip-ups. Bayern have by no means given up on the fight for the title," Terzic said ahead of the clash.

The BVB boss was without the 11 national team players during the last international window, while 12 players trained in Dortmund (to the personnel update). "It was a good time with the lads. We were able to work intensively as well as tactically. We tried to make the best of the situation and prepare for the coming weeks, which will be extremely exciting."

Be brave and diligent

BVB went into the international break with four wins on the bounce in all competitions. The Black & Yellows will be looking to build on that, even if their most recent Bundesliga victory in Munich came almost 10 years ago: BVB ran out 3-0 winners in April 2014. "It's about time," said Terzic ahead of the latest meeting. "We know that it isn't easy against Bayern. They tend to perform at their best against us. We'll need to be brave and diligent. We'll also need resilience, effectiveness and a bit of luck."

Bayern Munich are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions. The focal point in attack is Harry Kane, who has already scored 31 goals and has notched nine assists in 26 appearances in this Bundesliga season. "It's an exceptional rate, he's extremely important for them in attack. We felt it ourselves and know about his qualities," said Terzic, reflecting on the 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in which Kane scored a hat-trick. "Nonetheless, we also know that he won't be alone on the pitch, but rather that the attacking players in particular will set him in motion time and time again with their creativity, dribbling skills and pace. Focusing on one player and wanting to stop him does not do Bayern justice."

But the coach also said: "We look forward to every challenge that awaits us in order to show that our season is still a long way from over." The next challenge awaiting BVB is in Munich.
Christina Reinke

BVB TV by 1&1: The press conference prior to the game against Bayern