Van Gaal hopes to spread fear with Bayern

(GSM) – On Friday night, Louis van Gaal’s Bayern München gets back into action for the first time after the winter break. Der Rekordmeister host Hoffenheim in their own Allianz Arena and hopes to build on the good results they achieved before the break.

“We can confirm what we achieved at the end of the first half of the season,” said Van Gaal.

“That would also be important psychologically because we could then spread a bit of fear.”

Van Gaal insists he will not underestimate Hoffenheim although they are in a modest seventh position.

“They have very good players – very good,” he said. “Some could even play for Bayern München.”

Bayern currently lie third in the Bundesliga, a win would take the Bavarians above league leaders Bayer Leverkusen and into top spot for the first time since May 2008.

“It would certainly be good to be at the top, even for just one day,” added Van Gaal.

“But it’s more important where you stand at the end of the season. The League title is our goal.”

Van Gaal is still without his star player Franck Ribery, but Arjen Robben should be fit to start in what the Dutchman hopes will be an unchanged team from his first-choice side that won six-consecutive games at the end of 2009.