Munich (dpa) – Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso is relishing Friday’s Bundesliga trip to Schalke and believes the German record champions will face a tough challenge to take three points.

«They can beat almost every team,» Alonso said Wednesday. We have to prepare ourselves well because it is always difficult to play there.

«I love the atmosphere there, their fans show a lot of passion,» he added.

The 34-year-old Alonso made his competitive debut for Bayern in a league game at Schalke just days after then-coach Pep Guardiola signed him from Real Madrid two years ago.

«Pep had said to me then that I would play immediately,» Alonso recalled. «That was slightly surprising. But I was ready and played well.»

Under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso seems set to continue his role in defensive midfield given to him by Guardiola.

Bayern thrashed Werder Bremen 6-0 on the opening day of the season two weeks ago.