A point tonight against Olympiacos will be enough to see Bayern München through to the last 16 of the Champions League. But the German record champions are looking for more. "We want to finish top of the group, so it’s of little interest to me when we mathematically qualify for the next round," said Bayern München’s sporting director Matthias Sammer ahead of the penultimate Champions League group game tonight at 20:45 CET, before adding: "We want to win both of the remaining games, that’s our target."
If Bayern beat Olympiacos tonight, they will guarantee top spot in Group F thanks to the head-to-head record with their Greek counterparts who are currently level on points with Bayern. This means Pep Guardiola’s side will have the home advantage for the second leg of the last 16 tie in February 2016. However, Sammer does not wish to look that far ahead on the club’s road to the treble: "We’re still only at the start of the race. We have to keep proving ourselves."
Guardiola: “One of the most important games so far”
It’s been an impressive season for manager Pep Guardiola’s team so far: 19 competitive games, 17 wins and only one defeat (2-0 vs. Arsenal). Alongside the injured Thiago, Franck Ribéry, Juan Bernat and Mario Götze, Guardiola might also have to make do without David Alaba tonight when Olympiacos – unbeaten away from home in the Champions League this season – come to town. Alaba pulled a muscle in his ankle after scoring in the 3-1 over Schalke on Saturday.
This makes no difference to Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer: "We need to win the game and finish top of the group." For Pep Guardiola, this is "one of the most important games so far." It’s like a "cup final." Whether Bayern qualify for the knock-out stages for the 17th time in their history, and for the twelfth year running is not an issue for Neuer. The keeper made clear that confidence is high, and that there is no chance of complacency: "There’s a lot of competition within the squad, everyone wants to play. We have a good system going at the moment, so we won’t be taking it easy."
Germany international Holger Badstuber is back in the team after a long time out injured. Guardiola has said that he will play his “best eleven” against Olympiacos. A win could also help out Arsenal, who are dependant upon a Bayern victory to be in with a chance of going through. "We are aware of Arsenal’s situation," said Neuer, "but it’s not about helping Arsenal, it’s about us winning the group."
A point tonight against Olympiacos will be enough to see Bayern München through to the last 16 of the Champions League. But the German record champions are looking for more. "We want to finish top of the group, so it’s of little interest to me when we mathematically qualify for the next round," said Bayern München’s sporting director Matthias Sammer ahead of the penultimate Champions League group game tonight at 20:45 CET, before adding: "We want to win both of the remaining games, that’s our target."
If Bayern beat Olympiacos tonight, they will guarantee top spot in Group F thanks to the head-to-head record with their Greek counterparts who are currently level on points with Bayern. This means Pep Guardiola’s side will have the home advantage for the second leg of the last 16 tie in February 2016. However, Sammer does not wish to look that far ahead on the club’s road to the treble: "We’re still only at the start of the race. We have to keep proving ourselves."
Guardiola: “One of the most important games so far”
It’s been an impressive season for manager Pep Guardiola’s team so far: 19 competitive games, 17 wins and only one defeat (2-0 vs. Arsenal). Alongside the injured Thiago, Franck Ribéry, Juan Bernat and Mario Götze, Guardiola might also have to make do without David Alaba tonight when Olympiacos – unbeaten away from home in the Champions League this season – come to town. Alaba pulled a muscle in his ankle after scoring in the 3-1 over Schalke on Saturday.
This makes no difference to Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer: "We need to win the game and finish top of the group." For Pep Guardiola, this is "one of the most important games so far." It’s like a "cup final." Whether Bayern qualify for the knock-out stages for the 17th time in their history, and for the twelfth year running is not an issue for Neuer. The keeper made clear that confidence is high, and that there is no chance of complacency: "There’s a lot of competition within the squad, everyone wants to play. We have a good system going at the moment, so we won’t be taking it easy."
Germany international Holger Badstuber is back in the team after a long time out injured. Guardiola has said that he will play his “best eleven” against Olympiacos. A win could also help out Arsenal, who are dependant upon a Bayern victory to be in with a chance of going through. "We are aware of Arsenal’s situation," said Neuer, "but it’s not about helping Arsenal, it’s about us winning the group."
