'Bayern is the best of the best' - Kovac warns Dortmund must be at their best to beat Bayern

The two sides are level on 17 points after seven matches, with Bayern top of the table on goal difference. Both have recorded five wins and two draws, setting up an important early-season showdown.

Kovac believes the contest is an opportunity for Dortmund to make a statement but knows they face a formidable opponent. "This certainly makes things a lot more exciting than in recent years," he said. "But that doesn't make it any easier, because Bayern Munich is undoubtedly the best of the best - not just in Germany, but also in Europe."

Dortmund returned to winning ways with a 1-0 Bundesliga victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend before beating Werder Bremen 3-2 in the German Cup to book their place in the last 16.

"We have to play at the very highest level," Kovac warned. "But we're BVB - we have our own standards, and we intend to live up to them."

Bayern head into the match in impressive form after beating Freiburg 3-1 and RB Leipzig 6-1 in the Bundesliga. They also thrashed Magdeburg 6-1 in the German Cup during the week.

However, head coach Vincent Kompany remains absent through illness, with assistant coach Aaron Danks currently leading the team.

Dortmund will also have to contend with the threat of Harry Kane, who has enjoyed an outstanding season and was named the world's best player earlier this week with the Ballon d'Or. Kovac was full of admiration for the England striker.

"There's no need to say a word about him. The mere fact that he received this title says everything about him," Kovac said. "He was already a top player in England. To take another leap forward now is sensational."

Kovac also highlighted the importance of defender Joane Gadou and midfielder Joey Veerman, praising their contributions ahead of the difficult trip to Munich. He believes Gadou's pace and defensive work will be vital, while Veerman's ability to control possession could help Dortmund deal with Bayern's pressure.

"In a game like this, it can be crucial to use ball control to neutralise the pressure from Bayern Munich," Kovac said of Veerman. "He's certainly a very, very important part of that. He's gaining momentum more and more with each game."