Julian Nagelsmann is particularly tingling before the duel between champions and runners-up and before the groundbreaking RB weeks for FC Bayern.

"If you were somewhere for two years, it is of course a bit more special from a personal point of view than other games may be," said the Munich coach before meeting former club RB Leipzig again.

For the fan comeback in the arena, the 34-year-old predicted an exciting top game: "We're in a good mood, Leipzig is in a good mood again - that usually contributes to a good Bundesliga game." And the Champions League will start on February 16th the round of 16 first leg at Leipzig's partner club RB Salzburg entered the hot phase in Europe.

Not only Nagelsmann is looking forward to "an exciting game" on Saturday (6.30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky) and the end of an unusual international break without the secondment of German or other European national soccer players.

"The magnifying glass is now a bit sharper," said vice-captain Thomas Müller.

After the Corona shock at the beginning of the year, when a total of 13 professionals were missing in the 2-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Nagelsmann was able to prepare his team for the league showdown and the start of the knockout games in just under two weeks with several training sessions.

"Our cushion has melted"

In the league, in which Munich leads the table with 49 points ahead of Dortmund (43), there is “a healthy arc of tension,” said Müller and warned: “Our cushion at the top of the table has melted, we don’t need to lose any more points. "

Against Leipzig, which has stabilized after a disappointing episode under Jesse Marsch in the tenure of Nagelsmann's sidekick Domenico Tedesco, Munich are aiming for another win.

Especially because for the first time since the end of November, the game will be played in front of spectators at home again.

"We hope that we can celebrate the fans' first visit together with three points again," said Nagelsmann.

He and the supporters will have to do without Leon Goretzka (knee problems), Alphonso Davies (heart muscle inflammation) and Africa Cup of Nations participants Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Bouna Sarr.

The new Munich coach worked successfully for the Saxons for two years, with whom he reached the cup final in 2021 and became runner-up.

“I had a very nice time there.

Not just with those responsible, but above all with the players,” Nagelsmann recalled.

"I know that they're most likely all motivated, but that doesn't have anything to do with me per se, but rather with their own goals." The game will also be special for Dayot Upamecano and Marcel Sabitzer, who, like Nagelsmann, have moved to Munich.

In the overall package, almost 80 million euros flowed to Leipzig.

Leipzig was the only Bundesliga club to win all four competitive games this year and worked their way up from tenth place at the winter break to sixth place - and within three points of a place in the Champions League.

"It's not a bonus game for us," Tedesco said.

A win should come and the depressing record against Bayern should be improved.

Leipzig won just one of 13 competitive games.

"We should think about winning rather than losing," warned goalkeeper and captain Peter Gulacsi.

Bayern won the first leg 4-1.

The class reunion on the sidelines adds a special touch to the showdown between the big industry leader and the upstart who has made his mark in the league establishment.

Nagelsmann and Tedesco completed the football instructor course together and even formed a carpool.

"In the end, it's not the two Hansels who are waving around on the sidelines that are decisive, but who has the better players with the better form on the day, the greater desire and greater greed," said Nagelsmann.

Especially in such top games, the Munich team regularly convinces.

Nagelsmann still sees "huge potential" at the former club, despite difficult phases this season, as he pointed out.

"They're one of the most interesting teams in Europe," said the 34-year-old.

Tedesco will "tease out" a few more things.

He is missing the American Tyler Adams (strain) and Marcel Halstenberg (back problems), who was injured throughout the season.

Leipzig at home, Bochum away – and then it really gets going for world footballer Robert Lewandowski & Co. on the premier stage against RB Salzburg.

"For me it feels like the Champions League can be a big thing for us this year," said Müller.

"February is getting antsy."