Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac relishing first shot at the Champions League ahead of Benfica clash

Niko Kovac is ready to embrace the pressure of his first Champions League campaign as manager of Bayern Munich.

The Croatian manager succeeded Jupp Heynckes at the Allianz Arena earlier this summer following another successful stint at the club for the 73-year-old.

While Kovac has experienced European action during his playing days while at Bayer Leverkusen, RB Salzburg, Hamburg and Hertha Berlin while also spending two seasons with Bayern in the early noughties. 

The Croatian put his squad through their paces on Tuesday ahead of their clash with Benfica

However, after his successful stint at Eintracht Frankfurt as a manager, Kovac is set to experience Europe’s top club competition when he takes his side to face Benfica on Wednesday evening.

‘First, I’m looking forward to it, because the Champions League is the highest level,’ Kovac told Goal. ‘Every single player, every single club and every single coach wants to be there. Now we are there, I am also there.

‘The expectation in Munich is always high, this expectation I have towards myself personally and to my players. I was aware of that when I signed with Bayern.

‘I also have to say that the group we’ve been drawn into is very attractive but not easy. Many say Bayern Munich are the favourites and we are the favourites, definitely in theory, but you never know what happens in reality.’

Kovac has managed to keep a perfect record so far for Bayern this season, winning all five of his games across all competitions this season, with one victory coming in the DFL-Supercup over former side Frankfurt in August.

The 46-year-old (centre) enjoyed Champions League football as a player with Bayern Munich