"Anything is possible in football, you just have to believe in it," Kasper Hjulmand stressed before the match against the Gunners at the start of the week, before witnessing an impressive performance from his team. "We played against one of the best sides in Europe. And I can now say the same thing about our next opponents: Bayern have a top team. And they're perhaps even more complete in the way they play than Arsenal. That's why we'll have to put in another top performance."
A successful result on Saturday afternoon would give the Werkself important points in the battle for the Champions League spots. In sixth place, they're currently three points behind both fourth and fifth. Which of these positions will ultimately qualify them for the Champions League depends on how the clubs perform in the UEFA competitions. This week, Spain overtook Germany in the UEFA five-year rankings and, if it stays that way they'll secure the five automatic Champions League spots. Hjulmand, when asked about this constellation: "We're not focusing on this ranking, but on winning games and moving up the table. That's what it's all about."
Tella back in the squad - Grimaldo has to watch from the stands
In terms of personnel, Hjulmand will be without Alejandro Grimaldo, who is suspended after being shown a fifth yellow card. However, the Dane can welcome back Nathan Tella, who last featured in mid-January, to the squad. Keeper Mark Flekken, who has been back in full team training for a few days, is not expected to feature on Saturday.
Week until the international break "incredibly important"
The Werkself still have three games to play before the final international break of the current season: "This game is important, as is the one at Arsenal and the one at Heidenheim. All three are incredibly important," stressed Hjulmand.
With the first of these three tasks in mind, and when asked whether he had seen any chinks in Bayern's armour during their resounding 6-1 win at Atalanta in the UCL round of 16 first leg during the week, the 53-year-old admitted with a grin: "Not in that game. (laughs) They didn't show any weakness, were strong in the press and one-on-one situations. But of course we can always see some opportunities. As I said, anything is possible in football."
