Van Gaal: Bayern still in title race

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal is confident his side can still challenge for silverware this season, despite their poor form.

"(Winning the title) is still realistic," he told his club's website. "We only have three points fewer than at this stage last season.

"I cannot promise that we will win a title, but I can promise that we will do everything we can for it."

Bayern already trail surprise leaders Mainz by 13 points and, although many expect Mainz to fall away after sensationally winning each of their opening seven games, the same cannot be said about Borussia Dortmund.

They beat Bayern 2-0 last weekend to open up a 10-point gap to second place and, realistically, they are unlikely to be caught by the midway stage of the season.

However, club president Uli Hoeness wants his side to take things step by step and move back into a strong position come the turn of the year.

"I think the coach and his team are going to use this time (during the international break) well," he said.

"We certainly aren't going to be top of the table at the midway stage of the season, but we want to be close enough to the top to be able to attack with all of the strength of this team in the second half of the season."