Bayern Munich will always be the favourite to defeat Borussia Dortmund, according to Leon Goretzka, because no team can compete with Die Roten at the Allianz Arena and come out on top.
The two teams square off in their first game following the international break in a game that could be crucial to this season’s Bundesliga title race.
After taking over for Julian Nagelsmann last week, Thomas Tuchel, a former captain of the Black and Yellow, Dortmund now has a one-point advantage over their rivals.
According to Goretzka, who was speaking ahead of the crucial game, the visitors’ advantage in the league standing means nothing when they travel to the Allianz Arena.
“We are ready,” he told SportBILD. “We want the 11th championship in a row. To quote Kylian Mbappe, we are always favourites.
“When we play at home, there isn’t a team we don’t go into the game against as favourites. I think [the pressure] is great.
A few more of the lads have returned from the international break 🛬👋
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) March 29, 2023
Great to have you back, guys! 🔴⚪#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/VRJpbH3tI1
“I really enjoy these games. As a player, you don’t want to be part of the team that can break this series [and miss out on another title win].”
Nagelsmann’s departure, despite guiding Bayern to the title last term and the Champions League quarter-finals this year, is a gamble for the Bavarian giants.
But in Tuchel, they have a former Champions League-winning coach from his time at Chelsea, and Goretzka hopes he can help retain their Bundesliga crown.
“We all know and appreciate his successes,” he added. “[We] have great respect for his achievements and experience.”