Kovac admits misfiring Bayern must improve for Dortmund showdown

Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac admitted his side will have to improve on their 2-0 Champions League win over AEK Athens when they visit Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Robert Lewandowski marked his 100th European match with both goals in Wednesday’s home victory over the reigning Greek champions as Bayern moved top of Group E.

Benfica’s 1-1 draw with Ajax put Bayern on the brink of a place in the last 16 and a point against the Portuguese side at the Allianz Arena in three weeks will guarantee their place in the knockout phase.

However, Bayern struggled to impose themselves for long periods, although Lewandowski settled matters with a firsthalf penalty and an athletic volley after the break.

Bayern, who are third in the Bundesliga table, head to Dortmund with Kovac knowing his side must improve quickly.

“We deserved the win and managed to keep them scoreless,” said Kovac.

“In the second half, we should have rewarded our hard work with two or three goals. There were no fireworks out there and neither were any expected.

“At the moment, nothing is coming easily and we have to work hard on that.

“We will definitely have to improve against Dortmund, but that will be a totally different game.”

Kovac kept James Rodriguez on the bench with one eye on Dortmund, but Bayern still eased to what Lewandowski said was a confidence-boosting victory that extended their unbeaten run to six matches since a four-game winless streak brought about talk of a crisis.

“We knew this is the Champions League and after the last few games, this was a step forward,” said Lewandowski.

“We had the game under control, but of course we can improve and we will be better before Saturday’s game.”