Bayern Munich: Focus Shifts to Trophies and Away from Manchester United

Bayern will play two difficult matches in the course of this week that could well define their season in terms of trophies. This is mainly because one thing is certain: Bayern will not be claiming the Champions League this season.

A Recap: Bayern 2-1 Freiburg

Bayern played poorly. Miro Klose missed two gilt-edged chances that the old sniffer would normally not miss. The good thing is that he is making chances for himself. Bastian Schweinstieger was missed, especially defensively. Freiburg scored a goal that should never have been allowed by the Bayern defence through Cedric Makiadi. They even had the chance to tee the shot up for one another!

Arjen Robben started the fightback in the 76th minute and smashed the ball into the net from a freekick into the back of the net. His penalty in the closing stages helped Bayern secure the win.

Bayern's "long-ball" theory might actually help them against United because they certainly won't be getting too many chances. The defence will be horrible at the Allianz Arena in the first leg, as Bastian Schweinsteiger will be serving a suspension.

Next up: Frankfurt vs. Bayern

Bayern will be taking on an injury depleted Frankfurt side. They have already defeated Frankfurt twice this season (in the league and cup) and will be looking to do it for a third time. Frankfurt has lost their last three matches. Bayern will be without Mario Gomez and perhaps Franck Ribery. Bastian Schweinsteiger will be back after his one match suspension.

Hamit Altintop will be up against his brother Halil who moved from Schalke to Frankfurt this season.

Prediction: Frankfurt 1-4 Bayern

New contract: Mr Mark Van Bommel

Van Bommel, not so surprisingly signed a one-year extension with Bayern. Surprisingly, however, the club had offered him a two-year extension and he chose to stay for only a year more.

Van Bommel had previously wanted to avoid drawing Barcelona. After the United clash, I do not think he will fancy them too much either!

DFB Pokal: Schalke

Bayern will travel to the Veltins Arena to play Schalke in a very interesting match in the last four of the German Cup. Schalke seem to be Bayern's main League and Cup rivals. There is only one match in the Cup: thus Bayern have the unenviable task of beating Schalke in their own backyard.

The last match in the Bundesliga ended 1-1 between the two sides. I am not really expecting Bayern to beat Schalke, mainly because at the moment, Mr Miro Klose cannot hit a bus!

Prediction: Schalke 2-1 Bayern (a.e.t)

Man United vs. Bayern: Reactions:

Before going on to the reactions, I will state one fact: there may be no chance of Bayern progressing into the semis. However, the last time that Bayern won the competition, they beat United in the quarters.

Louis van Gaal: “Manchester is a tough draw. They’re joint favourites with Barcelona. They’re enjoying a very good phase at the moment and it’ll be difficult to beat them. But English teams always play their own game, which is an advantage for us, as we otherwise always meet extremely defensive teams. It’ll be a tremendous match for the crowd. "

Mark van Bommel: “The mood among the players during the draw was good. It's a very difficult draw, but a fantastic one too. Manchester are a leading European club, just like Bayern. It’s a shame we’re at home first."

Philipp Lahm: “A tough draw, a truly big name! We’ve been drawn against opponents who like to play football, which suits us fine. There’s obviously no way we’ll underestimate them. The most important thing is to keep a clean sheet in the first leg at home."

Sir Alex Ferguson: "The history of playing Bayern in past European ties tells you it's going to be a very difficult tie for us. It'll be a fantastic atmosphere in both games. They have a great stadium and a good pitch and we're up against a good experienced team. Hopefully we’ll have everyone we need for the game and, if we do, then we have got a good chance."

I would also like to thank Darren Fletcher for his kind words:

"It is a tough draw. Outside of Barcelona it is probably as tough as you could have got. We played them in pre-season and we were very impressed with them under Louis van Gaal. Since Christmas they have hit a bit of form. They have understood the way Louis van Gaal wants them to play. In [Arjen] Robben and [Franck] Ribery they have two of the best wingers in world football and are definitely a real danger in the tournament."

Hopefully, Bayern will do as Philipp Lahm said. From what Louis Van Gaal said, he already has a strategy running in his head.

Rivals' matches:

1. Dortmund vs. Leverkusen

2. Hamburg vs. Schalke

Leverkusen and Schalke both have tough away games but one can easily expect the high-scoring Bayer and the the ever-efficient Schalke to come through.

That's about it for this week. I would like to know your reactions to Bayern's draw.