Embattled Bayern 'not good enough' for title talk

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AFP Berlin
Last Updated : Nov 23 2018 | 10:10 AM IST

Arjen Robben insists that Bayern Munich are not good enough to retain their Bundesliga crown as the off-form champions prepare for the visit of strugglers Fortuna Duesseldorf on Saturday, with their title-winning streak under threat.

Bayern have won the last six German titles but they currently trail leaders Borussia Dortmund by seven points after losing three of their last six league games.

"We're not in a position to talk about the title at the moment -- we simply aren't good enough," veteran winger Robben, 34, told broadcaster ARD.

Their latest defeat came 3-2 at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park a fortnight ago, and left head coach Niko Kovac in a precarious spot.

Bayern's outspoken chairman Uli Hoeness says he will back Kovac "to the end", but patience could wear thin should Bayern drop lower than sixth and outside the European places.

However Hoeness says it is up to Bayern's stars to get the club back in the title race, warning that "the players are under pressure for the next three of four months".

"Then we will see who is needed and who isn't," he said.

Despite their poor run Bayern are heavy favourites to pick up three points against second-from-bottom Fortuna, whose midfielder Matthias Zimmerman joked about "parking the team bus" in their goal at the Allianz Arena.

"Everyone thinks we're going to lose, but we have to be brave and approach the job with joy and fun. Perhaps we'll manage a miracle," said Zimmermann, whose team have leaked 15 goals in their last four games.

However Duesseldorf sparked cause for optimism after pulling off a surprise 4-1 win at home to Hertha Berlin last time out.

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First Published: Nov 23 2018 | 10:10 AM IST

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