Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has admitted that his job is on the line on Sunday when Bayer Leverkusen come to the Allianz Arena.
The Dutchman knows his side must defeat the current league leaders or he could be on his way even before the crucial Champions League tie with Maccabi Haifa.
"I have got to achieve something because if I don't, then I will be sacked," he said.
Bayern's general manager Uli Hoeness recently stated that Van Gaal's job is safe at least until the winter break and the coach admits he still feels the club have faith in him.
"I talk with the board every week and feel their backing," said the Dutchman.
"I know everything about what they think and feel. We are always honest, direct and to the point."
But he knows defeat would leave Bayern nine points behind the league leaders and stuck in mid-table.
"We have got to win. This club needs success, but so too does the coach," he said.
Winger Arjen Robben is not fit enough to start the game, but Van Gaal is hoping to have his compatriot, who has already rescued points for him as a substitute this season, on the bench.
However, in view of the midweek clash with Maccabi Haifa, Van Gaal would prefer not to use him at all, unless he really has to take a gamble.
"We don't want to provoke another setback with him," said the coach.
Leverkusen arrive with a three-point cushion at the top of the table and preserving the only unbeaten record in German football.
However, they have failed to beat Bayern since 1989.
Coach Jupp Heynckes, who guided Bayern into the Champions League in a five-game spell at the end of last season, feels his team has a good chance.
"We go to Muncih with the knowledge that we can certainly win there as well," he told Munich's Az newspaper.
"My team is relaxed and that impresses me. We are top of the league, but cannot get carried away."
