Holger Badstuber described it as a “Win or bust” situation, with Pep Guardiola adding that being knocked out would be “a huge issue” for the club, for the team and for himself. Bayern host Shakhtar Donetsk in the second-leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday (20:45 CET) and according to Manuel Neuer, elimination would be “Fatal.”
Guardiola has coached big teams for long enough to know the consequences. “I know what will happen if we don’t qualify. There will be a lot of pressure on me and lots of criticism. I think we’ll reach the quarter finals. I have faith in my players.”
Robben: "We need to win – it doesn’t matter how"
Put simply, losing is forbidden. “We need to win – it doesn’t matter how,” explained Arjen Robben after the first leg, which ended 0-0 three weeks ago. Neuer added: “There’s nothing else on our minds.”
Bayern have been in the final three times in the last five years and haven’t been knocked out at this stage for four years. Elimination would make for bleak reading. It would also taint Guardiola’s image as a successful coach – he’s already suffered Champions League elimination at Bayern. Real Madrid humbled his side in last year’s competition.
History favours Bayern
History favours Bayern going into the game. They’ve only been knocked out of a European competition once after drawing the first leg 0-0 (The semi-final against Liverpool in 1980/81) and have progressed five times. “FC Bayern have to qualify if we want to remain a top club and to be considered one of the best in Europe,” explained Philipp Lahm.
It is a dangerous situation for the Bavarians. “If we slip-up we could be caught on the counter and punished because they have some good players,” said Robben, who was alluding to Luiz Adriano who has already scored nine times in the competition this year, which makes him the top scorer.
Holger Badstuber described it as a “Win or bust” situation, with Pep Guardiola adding that being knocked out would be “a huge issue” for the club, for the team and for himself. Bayern host Shakhtar Donetsk in the second-leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday (20:45 CET) and according to Manuel Neuer, elimination would be “Fatal.”
Guardiola has coached big teams for long enough to know the consequences. “I know what will happen if we don’t qualify. There will be a lot of pressure on me and lots of criticism. I think we’ll reach the quarter finals. I have faith in my players.”
Robben: "We need to win – it doesn’t matter how"
Put simply, losing is forbidden. “We need to win – it doesn’t matter how,” explained Arjen Robben after the first leg, which ended 0-0 three weeks ago. Neuer added: “There’s nothing else on our minds.”
Bayern have been in the final three times in the last five years and haven’t been knocked out at this stage for four years. Elimination would make for bleak reading. It would also taint Guardiola’s image as a successful coach – he’s already suffered Champions League elimination at Bayern. Real Madrid humbled his side in last year’s competition.
History favours Bayern
History favours Bayern going into the game. They’ve only been knocked out of a European competition once after drawing the first leg 0-0 (The semi-final against Liverpool in 1980/81) and have progressed five times. “FC Bayern have to qualify if we want to remain a top club and to be considered one of the best in Europe,” explained Philipp Lahm.
It is a dangerous situation for the Bavarians. “If we slip-up we could be caught on the counter and punished because they have some good players,” said Robben, who was alluding to Luiz Adriano who has already scored nine times in the competition this year, which makes him the top scorer.
Ribéry: "We need to concentrate"
Franck Ribéry also issued a warning: "We can’t afford to think that we’re going to win 3-0 because we’re playing at home.” “They share the same qualities as some of the best teams in Germany – they’re aggressive and fast,” explained Guardiola: “They would challenge for the title here.”
Guardiola’s side haven’t practiced penalties and have injury problems. Lahm, Thiago and Javi Martínez are injured; Xabi Alonso is banned. Bastian Schweinsteiger will consequently play a leading role once again. "Basti will lead the side," said Neuer.
