Bayern getting ready for the 2018 battles

Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-21 19:48:49|Editor: Jiaxin
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By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- While already qualified for the next round of the current Champions League campaign 2017 German Champions Bayern Munich are getting ready for the big goals in 2018.

In advance of their group duel against the Belgian side of RSC Anderlecht, this Wednesday evening preparations proceed to face the knock-out stage next spring in best shape and achieve bigger goals such as to win the Champions League.

After 72-year-old Jupp Heynckes took care of the struggling patient, a record of nine victories out of nine games has strengthened the side's confidence, several injured performers aside. "We are ready to beat the big clubs and are gaining more and more confidence," Bayern right back, and German international Joshua Kimmich commented. Coach Heynckes is convinced "we will play much better football when all our injured players are back, but get along very well at present. We are very ambitious in all competitions."

The crucial duel and last group game against Paris St Germain scheduled for December 5th will provide first hints about the team's quality when it comes to the big games. While Heynckes emphasized to win the group is not essential, the 2013 treble winner is determined to get his team in best shape for the battles in 2018.

The team's cornerstones such as Thomas Mueller, Franck Ribery, Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng are allowed to go through a cautious recovery after injury. While the race for the 2018 German national title seems to be a dull matter with the Bavarians enjoying a comfortable six-point lead after only twelve rounds of matches, Bayern is focusing on future challenges.

The club seems to have found the appropriate back-up for its spearheading striker Robert Lewandowski as club leaders such as president Uli Hoeness and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Heynckes decided to complete the squad's forwarding fraction. 29-year-old Sandro Wagner (TSG Hoffenheim) is said to be in final negotiations with Bayern to join the side as early as in the winter break.

The Munich born German international asked his current club for permission to join Bayern and managing directors of both clubs Hasan Salihamidzic (Bayern) and Alexander Rosen (Hoffenheim) confirmed to be in final talks about the transfer fee. Bayern is said to pay between 15 to 18 million euro's to sign Wagner.

Wagner joined Bayern at the age of eight. From 1995 to 2007 Wagner was part of several Bayern teams and made his debut in the professional team in 2007 in three league and cup games before joining smaller clubs such as Duisburg, Bremen, Kaiserslautern, Hertha BSC and Darmstadt.

While pundits expect the Wagner deal to be approved soon, so far struggling Bayern stars are on their way back to best shape. Lewandowski last weekend scored his league goals 12 and 13 when Bayern grabbed an easy win over FC Augsburg (3-0). The Polish striker seems to have survived minor injuries and a recent weak phase.

Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal was Bayern's man of the match against Augsburg after having delivered poor performances in the weeks before. Heynckes reports about a serious discussion with the 30-year-old regarding his latest performance. "I told him that I am not satisfied with his shape and behavior. I am happy he gave the right answer and increased his effort," Heynckes commented.

Mueller, Kingsley Coman, Thiago Alcantara and central defender Mats Hummels are expected to get a break against Anderlecht while goalkeeper Neuer and French striker Franck Ribery remain sidelined due to injury. "We intend to win the game in Anderlecht and keep our good rhythm," Heynckes emphasized.

To make traveling more comfortable for his squad and save energy Heynckes decided to abandon plans to return to Munich after the Anderlecht game. Instead, Bayern will directly move to a stop over training camp near Duesseldorf having to face Borussia Moenchengladbach in their next Bundesliga clash this Saturday evening.

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