Marco Kurz: “I want to see desire against a superior opponent”

The discussion after the disappointing defeat to Augsburg was “blunt,” said Marco Kurz. That talk was one he thought to be “more important than the speech before the Bayern game. You don't need to motivate your team against the undisputed number one side in the Bundesliga.” The opposition's player selection is irrelevant. “It's not clear who will play but Bayern have an amazing squad and so it almost doesn't matter who does get selected," said the Hoffenheim manager.

TSG players self-critical

Kurz, who alongside the suspended Andreas Beck and Eugen Polanski, will have to do without the injured Matthieu Delpierre. Despite these setbacks, he was confident in Friday's press conference. “Maybe it'll do the team some good not to have any expectations from the game. The players were very critical of themselves during the week.” Kurz now wants to see unity in a competitive fixture. “For me, it's not about the result. I want to see a team out there on the pitch. Maybe we won't play the same level of technical football as Bayern but I have to see desire and passion against a superior opponent.”

Bayern, who picked up more confidence with a cup win against Borussia Dortmund in midweek followed by president Uli Hoeneß speaking of their dominance in Germany, almost have a full complement to choose from. It is expected that Jupp Heynckes will rotate his squad. Holger Badstuber is still in fitness training following a cruciate ligament tear and Claudio Pizarro, Rafinha and Emre Can are all suffering from the flu. Franck Ribéry returns following his suspension.

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