Neuer spells it out for leaders Bayern

– German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (left) has warned misfiring Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich that they must rediscover their form against Schalke today following lacklustre back-to-back displays in 2017.

Bayern laboured to 2-1 league wins at both Freiburg and Werder Bremen in the last fortnight to stay three points clear of RB Leipzig.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern have failed to fire since flooring Leipzig 3-0 at home in December.

Neuer says the Bavarian giants must step up before their last-16, first leg of the Champions League at home to Arsenal in two weeks – starting against his former club Schalke, who are 11th.

“We know we have important games ahead,” said Neuer, who was born in Gelsenkirchen.

“We’re determined to play better football and want to show it in our first home game of the year.”

Mid-table Schalke are struggling for form with just one win in their last six games.

Bayern could face their Germany defender Holger Badstuber, who is on loan to Schalke, but has been on the bench so far.

Bayern are set to welcome back captain Philipp Lahm and midfielder Arturo Vidal after injury, but are without defender Jerome Boateng (shoulder) and Franck Ribery (thigh).

Tensions will be high for Borussia Dortmund’s home clash against Leipzig, who were only founded in 2009. – AFP