Gap to Bayern: Leipzig "really quite a way away"

Coach Marco Rose does not see RB Leipzig as Bayern Munich's biggest championship challengers in their current form. "We're a long way off at the moment, to be honest," said the 48-year-old ahead of the top game in the Bundesliga on Friday (20:30/DAZN). Leipzig are fourth with 27 points ahead of the final game of the year, while Bayern lead the table with 33 points.

Rose's words mainly refer to the Saxons' personnel situation. "I've always said that if all our players are fit, then I believe we can do anything," said the Leipzig man. In the first half of the season, RB were without three key players for months: Xaver Schlager, Xavi Simons and David Raum. In Munich, international Raum will be in the squad, with clearer Schlager in the starting eleven. Playmaker Simons, in whom Bayern were interested in the summer, will not be involved until the new year.

Star striker Kane as X-factor

Rose hopes "that we will all be healthy at some point. Then the coach will be even clearer. Then I have to stand by what I said before." With three wins from four games recently, Rose, who has been heavily criticized, has gained some breathing space. His job would not be in jeopardy even if he loses in Munich.

Bayern recently lost in Mainz, but the comeback of star striker Harry Kane makes the record champions the favorites. "14 goals and seven assists - that's the difference, that's what makes Kane special," said Rose. "You can see straight away when he's missing, but you can also see straight away when he's on. He doesn't need a long warm-up time."

The England captain has not yet been available for Bayern this month due to a torn muscle fibre. He will be available on Friday, but coach Vincent Kompany left it open as to whether the 31-year-old will be in the starting eleven. He will decide after the final training session.