December 4th, 2009 by Phil Lythell

Bayern Munich face a Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend in a Bundesliga fixture that has more significance than initially suspected.

The Bavarian giants have underperformed this season despite splashing the cash in the summer and boss Louis Van Gaal is under mounting pressure to turn things around.

Bayern have stuttered through their league campaign so far winning less than half of their 14 games – a record that leaves them six points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Their displays in the UEFA Champions league have also left something to be desired with the previously fancied side now faltering in third spot in Group A.

They must win their final game against Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin to qualify for the knockout rounds but Van Gaal has insisted that his players forget about that match and concentrate on domestic matters for the time being.

“The mark of a top professional is the ability to concentrate on the next game, which is Gladbach. Juventus has to wait,” said Van Gaal. “The really decisive match is against Moenchengladbach.”

The outspoken Dutch manager has alienated some of his charges with his allof persona and his strict regime with striker Luca Toni now actively looking for a January transfer away from the club – West Ham are believed to be monitoring the situation. But Van Gaal has also had his fair share of bad luck as talisman Franck Ribery and marquee summer signing Arjen Robben having alreay missed a large swathe of the season.

With Schalke 04, Werder Bremen and Leverkusen all currently sitting above Bayern in the Bundesliga standings, a win against Monchengladbach would be the first step towards redemption.

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