31.10.2014 14:49 h

Guardiola wary of Dortmund despite points gulf

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola insists Saturday's Bundesliga opponents Borussia Dortmund remain the Bavarians' main title rivals despite the 14-point gulf between the teams in the table.

Dortmund are 15th after four consecutive league defeats and a fifth at the hands of leaders Bayern at Munich's Allianz Arena would confirm the worst start to a league season in Borussia's history.

Bayern are already four points clear at the top of the table after nine matches and on course to win the German league title for a third consecutive season.

But Guardiola says Dortmund remain the team for Bayern to beat after Jurgen Klopp's side finished second to the Bavarians in the past two seasons and enjoyed a 3-0 win in Munich in April when the teams last met in the league.

"At the moment, Borussia Dortmund are still our main rivals, the gap in the table doesn't mean anything in October," said Guardiola on Friday.

"I don't look at the situation in the table. My opinion is that they are a superior team, regardless of their current situation.

"We will be playing against Dortmund's best team."

Guardiola refused to be drawn into the war of words between Dortmund's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who has expressed an interest in signing Borussia's Germany winger Marco Reus.

"I know the game is very important for our fans and the club, and that is also the case in Dortmund, but I am the coach and the background noise means nothing to me," insisted Guardiola.

"It's all about football and that is the reason I am here. I don't give a second's thought about anything else."

Guardiola said his side will not change their tactics of playing deep in the opponents' half, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer often well out of his area, a style which could suit Dortmund's counter-attacking game.

"Our style of play is great for them, we play 40 metres in front of Manuel Neuer," said Guardiola.

"No, I'm sorry. I always like my team to play forwards -- ever since my first match with Barcelona B."

The Bayern boss also said Netherlands winger Arjen Robben faces a race against time to be fit after missing their last two matches with a leg injury.

"He's a bit better in the last two days, but he's still not 100 percent."