Jurgen Klinsmann views tonight’s encounter with Lyon as an opportunity for his side to get back on track after losing 1-0 to Hannover at the weekend.
“I think it’s a good time for this match. It’s normal there are problems when we lose, but the team are going through a restructuring process,” said Klinsmann, who saw his side drop to ninth in the table after six games.
“The hierarchy is changing, and it’s a very interesting situation. I think it evolves even quicker when there are lots of matches, like there are now. We have to try and live up to the demands of the moment.”
Right-back Christian Lell limped out of the weekend defeat and will be replaced by Massimo Oddo. Franck Ribéry, may not make the starting XI but the French international’s return this week following ankle surgery suggests he will feature.
“Franck is a very good player who gives the team a lot, even if he’s on the bench, because of his happy-go-lucky nature,” Klinsmann said. “He gives us more confidence and more creativity on the pitch, and we’re delighted that little by little he’s getting back into shape and soon he’ll be 100 per cent.”
Lyon coach Claude Puel will make an late decision on whether to include midfield Juninho Pernambucano, who has missed the club’s last two Ligue 1 encounters with a groin injury. . Karim Benzema limped out of Saturday’s win over Nancy but will be fit to lead the attack, while Anthony Mounier is likely to be preferred in left midfield to Kim Kallstrom.
“I think all the matches are important as the group is so tight, but we have to bring something back from here,” Puel said. “We’ve started very well and the progress has been interesting, but the Champions League is a totally different level. Bayern are going to be ready mentally, they’ll be highly motivated and will produce some top-quality football.”
