Borussia Dortmund will be looking to end Pep Guardiola’s winning start as Bayern Munich coach on Saturday when the teams renew their rivalry in the German Super Cup.
The Champions league finalists meet at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund for the first title of the season, one week before Bayern starts its German Cup defense and two before it begins defending its Bundesliga title.
Guardiola has overseen wins in each of Bayern’s pre-season friendlies, including four-goal victories over Hamburger SV and Borussia Moenchengladbach, as well as a 2-0 win over Barcelona on Wednesday.
“I’m happy up to now but we need a bit more time,” Guardiola said after 61 goals scored and three conceded in nine games. “Perhaps we need to improve a little up front.”
The Spanish coach took over from Jupp Heynckes, who made way after leading Bayern to an unprecedented treble.
“We’ll be well prepared and we’ll deliver a good game,” Guardiola said ahead of his first possible title as Bayern coach. “(But) it’s only the start of the season. There’s still a long, long road ahead.”
The game will be shown live in 195 countries, reflecting the growing interest in German football since Bayern defeated Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to become European champion in May. “This coming Saturday isn’t so important,” Bayern president Uli Hoeness told Bild. “The most important Saturday was in Wembley.”
On paper at least, Guardiola’s side is even better than his predecessor’s with the offseason additions of Germany star Mario Goetze from Dortmund and highly rated midfielder Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona.
Germany striker Mario Gomez departed for Italian side Fiorentina, but Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic established himself as the preferred forward last season, and Guardiola’s penchant for playing without an out-and-out goalscorer is well-known from his days at Barcelona, which he led to 14 out of a possible 19 titles.
Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Mueller started up front against his former side on Wednesday, offering an indication of Guardiola’s likely preferred formation even before Goetze returns from injury.
Goetze was due to bid farewell to his former side, but it was decided he would stay in Munich due to fan anger over his 37 million euro ($49 million) switch between the sides.