Hamburg SV v Bayern Munich: Preview
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Jupp Heynckes believes Bayern Munich are entering a period of games which could define their season.
The Bundesliga champions head to struggling Hamburg on Saturday before matches against RB Leipzig in the league and cup, a Champions League trip to Glasgow to face Celtic and then a visit to current league leaders Borussia Dortmund.
Head coach Heynckes, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti on a deal until the end of the season, has enjoyed a strong start to his fourth spell in charge at Bayern, with emphatic home wins over Freiburg and Celtic.
Second-placed Bayern head into the weekend only two points behind Dortmund, but Heynckes has warned there is plenty more work to do.
``We have to show that we can play similar football away from home too,'' he said on the club website.
``We have to back up what we have demonstrated at home.
``I want to get that across to the team - never let up, never be satisfied. We have had a good start, but nothing more.
``In these coming games we have to show where we stand.''
Hamburg are in the midst of a dire run of form, with just a solitary point from their last six games.
A 3-2 defeat at Mainz last time out at least ended a run of five matches without scoring, but their awful run has left them fourth from bottom of the table.
Bayern have a remarkable recent home record against Hamburg, winning the last seven games by an aggregate score of 44-3, but Heynckes expects a battle in northern Germany.
``This team is much better than the results say,'' he said. ``We will go there with respect.''
Hamburg boss Markus Gisdol described Bayern's form as ``outstandingly good'', but insisted his side had to believe they could get something from the match.
He said: ``You always have something to lose and so I strongly resist saying that we have no chance.
``You always have a chance - even against Bayern.''
Heynckes revealed he could make changes, depending on how his players are ``mentally and physically'' after the final training session before the game.
``Then I will decide whether I will make one, two or three changes,'' he said.
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