Nagelsmann puts Bayern Munich on red alert for his return to Hoffenheim

Nagelsmann has put his Bayern Munich side on red alert for Saturday's away trip to his former club Hoffenheim, who have a knack of upset home wins over the Bundesliga leaders. With nine league games left, Bayern start the weekend nine points clear in Germany's top flight, but face a tricky away tie in Sinsheim. Hoffenheim, who Nagelsmann coached from 2016 until 2019 after rising up through the club's ranks, are fourth in Germany's top flight and on a four-match winning streak.

They have won three of the last five home games against Bayern, most recently a 4-1 thumping in 2020 when Croatia striker Andrej Kramaric bagged late goals. "We are warned," said Nagelsmann, who described Hoffenheim as "incredibly dangerous". "I'm looking forward to going back," he said.

"They've won their last four games, have a lot of good statistics, put in lots of crosses and intensive runs. "After us, they have the most kilometres in the opponents' half." However, Hoffenheim were soundly beaten on their last two visits to Munich, most recently in a 4-0 rout last October. Their head coach Sebastian Hoeness, nephew of ex-Bayern president Uli Hoeness, has told his side "you can't lose by much if you play bravely -- and that's what we intend to do".

At the other end of the table, Borussia Moenchengladbach host Hertha Berlin on Saturday with both clubs under enormous pressure. Gladbach coach Adi Huetter is quarantined with Covid-19 and his team is low on confidence after surrendering a two-goal lead in last weekend's 3-2 defeat at Stuttgart. Hertha boss Tayfun Korkut also has his back to the wall after their 4-1 thumping at home by Eintracht Frankfurt extended their winless streak in 2022 to eight games.