Hjulmand ahead of #FCBB04: Courage and confidence against ‘one of the best teams in Europe’

"Of course, the Pokal game on Wednesday was longer than we wanted," said Kasper Hjulmand at the pre-match press conference on Friday lunchtime. "But we've recovered well and have a strong squad with depth. We're travelling to Munich to play well and get a good result." How can the in-form FC Bayern striker Harry Kane (22 goals in 14 games) be stopped? "We have to defend against him and everyone else collectively, that's the only way."

When asked whether FC Bayern are invincible in their current form, the Dane replied: "They are currently the best team in Germany and one of the best in Europe. They have started really strongly in all competitions and have a lot of quality. But no team is unbeatable in any game. I firmly believe it's possible for us to come away with a result. That's why we're going there with courage and confidence."

Looking back at the last few years and the record of five league matches against FC Bayern without defeat, Hjulmand also explained: "Right now, the gap to them is perhaps a little bigger than in recent years. But our new, young team is developing well and we have the potential, also with a good game tomorrow, to reduce this gap bit by bit. Even if that takes time, of course."

Tillman return possible – Vázquez ruled out

The 6,000 Bayer 04 fans travelling to Munich will not be able to see Exequiel Palacios, Ezequiel Fernández, Nathan Tella and Axel Tape plus Lucas Vázquez as Hjulmand announced. Whether Malik Tillman will return to the matchday squad on Saturday was left open by the Dane: "He's training with us today and then we'll see."