Granit Xhaka has warned Bayern Munich that Bayer Leverkusen want to "annoy" them when the two sides clash this weekend.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Leverkusen and Bayern meet this weekend for the first time since Xabi Alonso's side won the Bundesliga last season. Leverkusen, of course, were unbeaten throughout the league season but have already tasted defeat this season and sit second, three points behind Bayern.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
By comparison, Vincent Kompany's side have been in remarkable form at the start of the season, winning all four of their fixtures thus far and scoring 16 goals in the process. Nevertheless, Xhaka is confident he and his team-mates can once again haunt Bayern.
WHAT XHAKA SAID
Xhaka told Sky Germany: "We want to be at the top for as long as possible! Of course, we have our goals internally, but externally it's a different story. With the motto "take it one game at a time," we made good progress last year and will continue with this motto this year. We have a block of three to four games that the coach always talks about. Now the next step is Bayern Munich, and we want to annoy them a bit—just like last season."
Asked about the pressure of being champions, Xhaka added: "This is a Champions League opponent. That's what the coach told us today. We obviously know how much potential Bayern have and what new ideas the new coach, Vincent Kompany, will bring to their game. We have of course analysed their games, and you can see that a lot of things are working very well. Almost every shot is a goal for them. Their offence is very strong, and they concede fewer goals in defence. It's definitely going to be a top game, and we're ready for it.
"The pressure is not necessarily greater, but different. If you become champions and cup winners, the pressure on our side would obviously have to be a bit higher, but I have the feeling that we can handle the pressure very well and have the experience to do so. The young players are also doing very well. A game in Munich against Bayern is always something special, and we are looking forward to it."
WHAT NEXT?
Leverkusen play Bayern this weekend. They will aim to inflict a first defeat of the season on the Bavarian giants.
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