Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich kick off their title defense today when they open their new season with a home match against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Munich coach Pep Guardiola said his side is "ready" for their first game.

"The season starts now, and we are ready," he said. "It's difficult to say where we are right now. We are in a process."

Bayern dominated Monchengladbach 5-1 in a pre-season game, but Guardiola said he believes Friday's match will present much stiffer competition.

"They are one of the best teams in the Bundesliga," he said. "They can be very, very dangerous."

The Treble winners may be without Thiago Alcantara, who had to sit out the team's last training session with flu. Mario Gotze will definitely miss the game due to his very recent return to team training, but he is set to make his Bayern debut in a friendly on Sunday. Embattled midfielder Luiz Gustavo will also be on the sidelines during the contest.

In the pre-match press conference, Guardiola said he gave his team instructions to "take the ball, enjoy, and attack as much as possible. And when Gladbach have the ball, help each other. And win".

Watch the live stream of Bayern Munich vs Borussia Monchengladbach at 8:30 PM CEST here.