Cologne to be bold against 'beast' Bayern

Dec 12, 2017 - 6:46 PM Bundesliga bottom club Cologne intend to "be bold" when they face Bayern Munich, manager Stefan Ruthenbeck says.

Cologne are yet to win a Bundesliga fixture as they head towards the winter break with just three points from 15 matches.

Bayern, meanwhile, will head into 2018 seemingly on course for yet another domestic title, already eight points clear of the chasing pack.

Ruthenbeck stepped up from the under-19s to take over first team duties following the departure of Peter Stoger earlier this month.

Cologne had looked set for a first Bundesliga victory when two late penalties saw them surrender a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3 at home against fellow relegation battlers Freiburg on Sunday.

Despite the magnitude of the task in front of them, Ruthenbeck intends to meet the might of Bayern head on.

"We can't stand in front of a big beast like a little mouse. We want to be bold and attack, despite our situation," Ruthenbeck said.

Ruthenbeck believes his squad can produce the required response from the bitter disappointment of not being able to hold out against Freiburg, with Nils Petersen netting what was his second spot kick in the sixth minute of added time.

"They were despondent, but the situation is not one that came out of the Freiburg match. We understand our current situation and know how difficult it is," Ruthenbeck said.

"Mentally, I do not think much has changed with the players. We try to remind them that they can still get right back into it with a good run.

"The players know it will be a battle, but they are prepared to show that they want to be there.

"We will not show fear. We have many young players that are prepared to go out there with this mentality, regardless of how the match will end."

Source: AAP