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Adds Alonso quotes

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany laughed off suggestions on Friday. Saturday’s game against Bayer Leverkusen was a personal showdown with his opponent Xabi Alonso.

Ahead of Saturday’s big-ticket game, Kompany said he was “not motivated at all” by facing Alonso – who Bayern tried to sign before opting for the Belgian.

“My motivation is that Leverkusen were champions last season and are now coming to the Allianz Arena,” said Kompany.

“In this business it is completely normal that there are different candidates for the job. It may seem like we have big egos, but I don’t care at all.”

Alonso, who led Leverkusen to a league and cup double in his first full season as coach at the highest level, decided to stay with the champions despite interest from Bayern.

Kompany eventually took over at Bayern after several other candidates, including Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner, reportedly rejected their offers.

Although Leverkusen stormed to the league title without defeat last season, something Bayern have never achieved in their history, the 38-year-old Kompany said Alonso’s side were still the underdogs.

“Bayern are always the favorites. We are looking forward to playing against the champions and want to win,” said Kompany.

Leverkusen travel to Munich in second place, three points behind Bayern, who have won all four games so far.

Also on Friday, Alonso told reporters: “Going to Allianz is perhaps the most difficult task in the Bundesliga.”

“In order to get something from the alliance, we need a near-perfect performance and that’s what we’re working on.”

Alonso praised his opponent: “Kompany has done a very good job so far” and added: “Bayern are playing with great energy and quality.”

The game takes place during Munich’s annual Oktoberfest.

While the Bayern players made their traditional visit, Alonso rejected the idea of ​​celebrating at the festival if Leverkusen won in Munich.

“There’s no time for that. We play against AC Milan (in the Champions League) on Tuesday,” said the 42-year-old Spaniard.

“Of course we’re not thinking about it – we’ll be training on Sunday morning in Leverkusen ahead of a very important week.”

Bayern could be without captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who missed Saturday’s 5-0 win at Werder Bremen with a thigh injury.

“Manu is training at the moment but we will make a final decision tomorrow… Hopefully everyone is there and we can choose the best team for the game.”

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund dismissed speculation about Neuer’s possible return to the German national team after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen suffered a long-term injury last weekend.

The 2014 World Cup winner retired from the national team in the summer and Freund said a return to the German team was Neuer’s “personal decision”.

“He is very happy, in good shape and hopefully fit again now.”