Holtby before duel with Bayern: “We can compete”

Holstein Kiel as the big FC Bayern’s bogey team? Captain Lewis Holtby will not go that far before the Bundesliga newcomer’s duel against the record champions on Saturday (6.30 p.m./Sky). The “flippant remark” was made in the euphoria of promotion in the last second division season, Holtby told the Münchner Merkur: “If you look at reality, you know that FC Bayern are coming to Kiel with top players.”

And yet, the three-time national player does not see Kiel as having no chance. “Of course you will always get points. The important thing is that we analyzed the last two games and came to the conclusion that we can definitely compete,” said Holtby.

Kiel started the first Bundesliga season in the club’s history with two defeats, while Bayern are still undefeated under coach Vincent Kompany. Holtby’s motto for the surprise: “In the Bundesliga, you have to make the most of your opportunities and not allow any goals to be conceded. We have to be a bit more efficient – both offensively and defensively.”

This already worked once during the sensational cup triumph in January 2021, and the memorable victory on penalties led Holtby (33) to make a not entirely serious declaration of war before the season: “I think we are Bayern Munich’s bogey team. There has already been a snowstorm here.” -game. When Thomas Müller comes back here, he will have flashbacks.

However, his own memories of the games against Bayern are “not good ones” either. He did not play for Kiel in the 2021 cup surprise. Holtby knows his statistics against FC Bayern very well. “One win, one draw and eleven defeats,” he said: “Games against FC Bayern, especially against HSV, were always tough. But I also had some nice moments against them.”