AWD-Arena: Home of Hannover(credit:
Wikipedia)
Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has insisted he can handle the pressure ahead of today’s crucial clash with Hannover 96.
Bayern’s Bundesliga title bid all but came to an end with defeat at leaders Borussia Dortmund last week and just days later their bid to retain the DFB-Pokal came to an end with a semi-final loss to FC Schalke.
Speculation is already mounting that a defeat against Hannover 96 will to van Gaal’s sacking, but the Dutchman insists he is not letting the talk get to him.
Van Gaal said: “I can live with that and can handle it. It is normal.
“I do feel sorry for my staff because I am going towards the end of my career.”
He added: “I have not been sacked that often and have stayed long at my clubs. I am proud to be working at Bayern.
“If we win on Saturday then we are in third place and can still achieve what we have set out. Then the world will look differently.”
While fourth-placed Bayern Munich were beaten 3-1 by Borussia Dortmund last time out, hosts Hannover 96, currently two points ahead in third, boosted their push for a Champions League berth with a 1-0 win at St Pauli.
Watch Hannover 96 v Bayern Munich live at 365, kicking off at 14.30 GMT.