Terzic is wary of wounded Bayern: "Their senses are always sharper when they play against us!"

Borussia Dortmund's progress has been evident recently. But we have to face it: the only way to prove your worth in German football is to overcome Bayern. The Yellow-Blacks will try to do that on Saturday night against the team that suffered the infamy of losing to a third-tier side in the DFB-Pokal.

A victory against the Bavarians would solidify this positive trend. However, BVB coach Edin Terzic wants to talk less about their ambitions before the league showdown. He wants his players to demonstrate them on the field.

Not just since the sensational cup defeat in Saarbrucken, Bayern's coach Thomas Tuchel has been facing questions about the development of his team. Recently, former pros Lothar Matthaus and Dietmar Hamann, in their roles as TV pundits, touched on this sore spot, provoking a sharp response from Tuchel: He stated that he also doesn't see any development in their work.

In Dortmund, where the obligatory press conference before the game started slightly later than in Munich, they can view the debates surrounding the record champion quite relaxed. Questions about development have become rarer since Terzic was able to noticeably stabilise his team and increase efficiency after a stuttering start. "Less glamorous but successful" is the motto that the 41-year-old has adopted for himself and his team. Already, six 1-0 victories in all competitions speak for themselves. It's effective.

BVB is entering the rematch of the previous season's title showdown undefeated in the domestic league. Twenty-one points after nine games is an outstanding tally, and the fact that they are currently only in fourth place doesn't worry Terzic.

"There are always teams that do really, really well. But we have also seen how long a season can be," says Terzic, leaving no doubt about their ambitions: "Everyone is welcome to help us annoy Bayern. However, we will do everything to finish at the top in the end."

A victory over the Munich club would underline this goal more than any pre-season championship announcement could. BVB generally does not want to talk too much about possible titles. Before the season, when Dortmund analysed and digested the shocking ending to the last season when they tragically lost the title at home.

"We don't make a distinction anymore, no matter who we play against and in which competition we play. The only difference is whether we win or lose."

Of course, the match is "always special, also for our fans." But then he points to the recent cup game against Hoffenheim, which BVB won very confidently on Wednesday, even though a goal from Marco Reus made the only difference in the result (1-0).

On Saturday, BVB will undoubtedly need such a performance again, especially after Bayern's cup exit in Saarbrucken and the numerous probing questions that the players and officials of Bayern had to endure in the days before the league showdown. Terzic knows it can only motivate the Bundesliga holders when they arrive at Westfalenstadion.

"Against us, their senses are always sharper than against one or the other opponent in the league. Now, there is probably an extra dose of anger added to it."

It helps that BVB can draw nearly fully from their squad, unlike the injury-plagued Munich team. The only question mark is about the participation of captain Emre Can. Both the starting lineup and the bench will be close to their optimum - and Terzic emphasised the importance of using the entire squad.

BUNDESLIGA - MATCHDAY 10

Friday

22:30: (2.45) Darmstadt (3.40) Bochum (2.85)

Saturday

17:30: (6.00) Mainz (4.00) RB Leipzig (1.57)

17:30: (2.55) Union Berlin (3.40) Eintr.Frankfurt (2.95)

17:30: (5.00) Hoffenheim (4.00) Leverkusen (1.65)

17:30: (2.50) Koln (3.50) Augsburg (2.95)

17:30: (2.20) Freiburg (3.50) M' gladbach (3.20)

20:30: (4.20) Dortmund (3.90) Bayern (1.80)

Sunday

17:30: (1.72) Wolfsburg (3.80) Werder (4.80)

19:30: (5.00) Heidenheim (3.90) Stuttgart (1.68)

***odds are subject to change***