Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes says his team will go into tomorrow''s game against Valencia with one objective: topping the group.
Bayern have been in imperious form domestically, winning 10 of their first 12 Bundesliga matches, but go into the Mestalla showdown level on points with Valencia at the top of Champions League Group F, trailing the Spaniards due to a slightly inferior goal difference.
“Winning or tying can take you into the next round,” Heynckes commented to assembled members of the media. “But the important thing for both teams is to get first place.”
The veteran tactician is well acquainted with Spain and Spanish football having spent a season with Real Madrid and had two spells in charge of Athletic Bilbao.
“I've played many times at Mestalla and Valencia are one of the best three or four teams in Spain. I'm expecting a very important fight between two well structured teams. I know Roberto Soldado well, he's a great goal scorer, but Valencia have other dangerous offensive players like Jonas and Sofiane Feghouli.”
Heynckes, who is hoping Franck Ribery will return from injury in time to feature, then gave his thoughts on Javi Martinez, the Spanish international Bayern spent €40m on in the summer and who flanked him at the Press conference.
“I know Javi well, and the philosophy of his former club. He's facing a new framework in Munich and has to work gradually. Forget the selling price of Javi, you have to be clear that there is a different philosophy at Bayern, and an adaptation period is needed for young players.”