Klassiker result won't change anything: Kompany
Bayern Munich could all but secure the Bundesliga title when it faces second-place Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday (AEDT) in a Klassiker that promises to be every bit as dramatic as those that have gone before it.
After Dortmund's 2-2 draw with RB Leipzig last time out, Bayern managed to extend its lead at the Bundesliga summit to eight points ahead of this weekend's trip.
Bayern bos Vincent Kompany insisted that the result of this game will not impact his side's ambitions, but feels it will be a great event for the Bundesliga.
"It's a Klassiker. That has its significance, and with it being a top-of-the-table clash at the moment, we can make it as big as it is," the Belgian said.
"I find that good. It's important for the Bundesliga that it's a big event – the teams shouldn't have fear, but we need teams who say: I want to beat Dortmund.
"And Dortmund should think similarly. That's what makes it so important, that's how it should be.
"I can't say how Dortmund feel. But for us, I've said from the beginning that the Klassiker is a title in itself.
"The truth is, these games are so important that they deserve their own little title. The result won't change our mentality, we want to keep marching on.
"We're on a good track and want to fight to keep it that way."
Bayern won the reverse fixture 2-1 back in October, with goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise getting the job done at Allianz Arena.
Dortmund has not lost in the Bundesliga since that defeat, and head coach Niko Kovac believes his side must be close to perfect if it is to beat Bayern this time around.
"Bayern are a top team that will demand everything from us," Kovac said.
"We have to play to our very best from the first to the last second, because that's the ultimate in Europe.
"We have to be brave in possession and keep hold of the ball for long periods.
"But it also depends on the opponent, who will certainly want to impose their game on us. It will be a very intense game over 90 minutes."
Kompany also admitted he is unsure as to how Borussia Dortmund will react after its UEFA Champions League exit.
"It could have any kind of effect on BVB, you don't know," he said Kompany.
"It was a setback, but it was also a game in which Dortmund could've progressed. So, it does have an impact mentally, which could go in either direction.
"What we have in our control is how we approach the game. We've had a healthy anger in training, which I love.
"We've had a very good week, we've done everything right up to kick-off – now we want to take that into the match."
