Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac has ruled out the possibility of fielding both Philippe Coutinho and Thomas Muller as his side prepare to take on Cologne.
Coutinho returned to fitness in time for Bayern’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade before being replaced by Muller in the 83rd minute.
“Muller and Coutinho together in the 10 role would be too attacking. We need a good balance,” he said at a pre-match press conference.
“Never say never, but right now I’d lower the probability.”
“Of course we’ve had that game but Saturday will come down to the mental aspect,” he said.
“We absolutely want to win, that’s hugely important for us, but my players are fit and ready.
“Our opponents in the Bundesliga always give their all and we’ll be challenged from the first minute, but we want to win and remain at the top end of the table.”
“Josh (Kimmich) went over his ankle but everything looks OK,” he said.
“Lucas (Hernandez) has a problem with his ankle too and Kingsley (Coman) has a sore neck, so we’ll have to see how they do.”
“If it’s about damage limitation, then I’m the wrong man to speak to,” Beierlorzer said at a pre-match press conference.
“That’s not my thing. Naturally, it will be a challenge. But we want to get something from the game.
“We’ve got to be brave on Saturday and invest everything. We’ve got to be active and not passive.”
“We’ll have to replace Verstraete,” said Beierlorzer.
“We have other defensive midfielders in the squad and there are other options. What is clear is that a place in the team is open.”
Spanish centre back Jorge Mere is yet to gain a regular slot in Beierlorzer’s starting XI and remains an unlikely inclusion.
“We’re not deciding against someone, instead we’re deciding on others.
“Seb Bornauw and Rafael Czichos have been a tick better of late, in my opinion.”
German striker Simon Terodde is a consideration, with Beierlorzer saying: “When he’s needed, then he’s there. Whether from the start or off the bench.
“He thinks about the team and gives it his all.”
