Rummenigge: Bayern must respond against Hoffenheim

Rummenigge: Bayern Munich must respond against Hoffenheim

5 Oct 2012 22:35:00

The 57-year-old former die Roten striker says his club have to bounce back after their Champions League defeat, in order to send a message to their Bundesliga rivals

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says his side must bounce back in Saturday's clash with Hoffenheim, after their shock 3-1 defeat at BATE Borisov.

Die Roten had been victorious in nine consecutive games in all competitions prior to Tuesday's clash, and Rummenigge believes the Bundesliga tie can provide the perfect opportunity for his team to get back to winning ways.

"I think it's crucial that we don't allow this defeat to throw us off course," the former West Germany international was quoted as saying by Bundesliga.com.

"It's important that we respond immediately against Hoffenheim on Saturday, go full throttle once again and show our Bundesliga rivals that Bayern may have lost, but we aren't down and out."

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes could be set to welcome back David Alaba at the Allianz Arena, but star wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are injured and doubtful, respectively, through injury.

Goalkeeper Tom Starke, meanwhile, warned the 22-time Bundesliga champions from underestimating his former side.

"They made a poor start, but they've begun to recover with seven points from the last three matches, which is a good effort," said the 31-year-old, who moved from 1899 in the summer transfer window.

Hoffenheim trainer Markus Babbel said he hoped his side continued their recent progress, however.

"It's important that we continue along our current path," said the 40-year-old, adding that his team were trying their best to 'prepare as usual' following winger Boris Vukcevic's hospitalisation after a serious car accident.

"Confidence and hope is the over-riding factor," he added. "We've got to go about our daily routine somehow."