Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany knows full well that his team are still expected to win Saturday's big Bundesliga home clash with Bayer Leverkusen despite the visitors being the champions this time.
Bayern, who lost their title after 11 years to unbeaten Leverkusen last term, have won four Bundesliga games from four this season and top the table by three points from their rivals.
"It's good that everyone's excited about the game. Obviously it'll be an important game, against the best team from the last 12 months," Kompany told a news conference on Friday.
"We're looking forward to the game. Obviously it won't be easy. We want to test ourselves against a good opponent at the Allianz Arena. Bayern are always the favourites. We're looking forward to playing against the champions and want to win."
The inexperienced Kompany was a surprise choice as Bayern coach for this season after the exit of Thomas Tuchel. The Bavarians courted a number of coaches, including Leverkusen's former Bayern star Xabi Alonso, but settled for the Belgian despite his Premier League relegation with Burnley.
The 38-year-old is under no illusions about having a grace period, and hopes his style of play is in keeping with the long-held Bayern model.
"Bayern always want to be as dominant as possible. The approach of our team always has to be that we want to be dominant. Bayern always have to impress their play on the game," he said.
"If a team manages to prevent that, then they deserve great respect. It's key that it's a home game for us. Lots of people wanted tickets. We can't move away from wanting to show the best of us."
Not expecting goal spree
Bayern scored 20 goals across all competitions in their last three games but Kompany is not expecting a goal spree against Alonso's side, who nevertheless have looked shaky defensively this term.
"They achieved something special last season. It was interesting to observe. It's exactly that that makes the game so exciting. We're playing against a team that achieved something amazing last year," he said.
"Leverkusen are a good team. We'll do all we can to support the team alongside the fans so we can have a special day of football on Saturday."
As for personnel, forward Mathys Tel is fit while goal keeper Manuel Neuer is edging towards starting after hamstring issues made him miss last weekend's 5-0 win at Werder Bremen.
"We'll decide tomorrow. Manuel Neuer has trained again," Kompany said.
There has been speculation that Neuer might reverse his decision to retire from internationals after Germany successor Marc-André ter Stegen was ruled out for months with a knee injury.
Sporting director Christoph Freund told the news conference: "It's his personal decision. He's very happy, is in good form and hopefully now fit again. We haven't spoken about it."
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