BERLIN - Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admits Bayern Munich are now the hunters -- rather than the hunted -- as they attempt to reclaim top spot from surprise new Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig.
Bayern Munich's Italian headcoach Carlo Ancelotti (L) and Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge talk on November 6, 2016
Bayern flew to Russian side Rostov for Wednesday's Champions League clash with the Bavarian giants already through to the last 16, but needing a win to challenge Atletico Madrid for top spot in Group D.
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Dutch winger Arjen Robben are both out with injury, while Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal, Spain's Javi Martinez and French winger Kingsley Coman are also set to miss out with knocks.
However, Bayern flew east to Russia in the unusual position of not being able to claim they are currently Germany's best club.
Their 1-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday left Carlo Ancelotti's Bayern in the unusual position of second in Germany's top flight after new boys RB Leipzig went three points clear of Munich with a 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.
This is the first time in 14 months that Bayern are not top of the Bundesliga.
They host unbeaten Leipzig, who are having a dream debut season after four promotions in seven years, on December 21, but in the meantime Bayern are eager to restore their authority.
"Now we want to increase the pressure in the next few weeks," said Rummenigge on Tuesday.
"There are still many points up for grabs.
"We are the hunters now.
"We were ahead for four years, now we are not.
"It's what the republic (Germany) wanted, now they have it and they can't complain," he added.
However, most German football fans are delighted there is a title race after Bayern won the league title at a canter in each of the last four seasons.
Rummenigge admitted being impressed with RB Leipzig's hard-working squad, adding "it's is the biggest surprise that they are still undefeated".
There are growing rumbles of criticism in the German media of Bayern boss Anelotti, but Rummenigge would not hear a negative word about the Italian, who replaced Pep Guardiola at the start of the season.
"That's water under the bridge," said Rummenigge referring to Saturday's defeat at Dortmund.
"We are very satisfied, just because of one game, there is no reason to change things - that's stupid talk."
Bayern host Champions League side Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday with the pressure now on Ancelotti to restore winning ways in Germany's top flight.