Bayern want to get a fast start

ANYTHING but a victory for Bayern Munich over Hertha Berlin in today’s opening game of the Bundesliga season will be a surprise.

After all, champions and cup winners Bayern are starting the 57th Bundesliga season once again as favourites as they seek an eighth consecutive league title.

They have also won their opening game in the last six seasons and Hertha’s record in Munich does not instil any belief that the winning series will be stopped.

In 12 matches at Munich’s Allianz Arena, Hertha have 11 defeats and one draw.

And yet question marks remain ahead of a season in which many observers see last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund well equipped to win their first league title since 2012, the last time Bayern were not celebrating the championship.

Bayern have come under pressure over their transfer activity in the close season, which has appeared wanting when compared to the business by rivals Dortmund.

And despite winning the double in his first season in charge, Bayern coach Niko Kovac has not always enjoyed unconditional backing by club bosses.

A good result for Kovac against the club he played for in two spells will help both him and Bayern settle as the club seeks still to strengthen the squad ahead of the September 2 transfer deadline.

“I expect to face a very good Hertha team,” said Kovac. “They have strengthened well. But we want to start with a win.”

Despite their poor record in Munich, Hertha can point to wins on the opening days of the last four seasons. And the club changes since last season mean they are confident of getting a good result.

Anticipation is also high in Dortmund, who begin their campaign tomorrow when they host Augsburg following the summer signings of Thorgan Hazard, Julian Brandt, Nico Schulz and Mats Hummels who returns from Bayern.

Dortmund have been boosted by a 2-0 Super Cup win over Bayern and progress to the second round of the German Cup.