Hertha Berlin have the unfortunate task of keeping out the wounded animal that is Bayern Munich on Saturday, after the Bundesliga champions slipped to a late 3-2 defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola will be looking to bounce back in style - as perhaps befits his team of superstars.
For Jos Luhukay and his Hertha side, they know their work is cut out as they prepare to face the champions at the Olympiastadion, where home support will be key. With 14 points in 12 games it is Hertha's defence that has let them down conceding 22 goals so far in their campaign. Against the likes of Bayern's strikers company, the signs look ominous, but Hertha will take solace in the fact they come into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory over FC Koln.
"Even though we are lost I am very proud of my team"
- Pep Guardiola
Guardiola had much to say on Bayern's Tuesday night slip up against City, but it was not as negative as some expect. The Spaniard gave credit to his team for their performance, but was understandably of not repeating it again in the latter stages of the competition: "Even though we lost, I am very proud of my team," Guardiola told UEFA.com. "We played with ten men for much of the game, despite that we continued to dominate possession and play an aggressive game But that sort of thing happens in the Champions League, perhaps tonight is a big lesson for us. This is a group game, if it happens in the last 16 onwards then you are out of the competition."
Bayern have, of course, been rampant in the Bundesliga this season, and remain unbeaten in 12 games, collecting 30 points. They have already moved seven points clear of Wolfsburg in second and look set for another Bundesliga title. Last time out they made short work of Hoffenheim, dispatching them 4-0 with ease. Bayern fans will be hoping for a similar performance on Saturday in order to banish the disappointment of Tuesday.