Bayern visit Man City: "We're not here to have fun"

Even though they’ve already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, German record holders Bayern München will be taking the game against English champions Manchester City (20:45 CET) seriously. “We’re not going to throw away the last two games,” said Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who went on to talk about the possibility of having a perfect run up until the winter break with six wins: “We haven’t achieved it yet.”

Manager Pep Guardiola also highlighted the seriousness of the trip to England: “We’re not here to have fun. We’re playing in the Champions League and it’s a prestigious tournament. Every game is a big opportunity for us to develop even more.”

Incentive: One million Euros and UEFA coefficient

Bayern have a perfect record so far and sit top of Group E, which was initially seen as being a difficult group. But they managed to qualify for the next round quicker than they ever have done before. Nevertheless, all the players, such as superstar Arjen Robben, are unanimous: “We’ll take the game seriously.”

Rummenigge believes that there are enough incentives, but the win will be the main aim. “We’ll try to get all three points in Manchester and come away with the prize money of one million Euros,” said the 59-year-old, who also stressed the importance of the game in terms of a successful UEFA coefficient, especially in a game against a Premier League club. Germany could theoretically overtake England this season.

“Man City with their backs against the wall”

But for the Citizens, the game has a whole different meaning. A win at the Etihad Stadium for Manuel Pellegrini’s side is a must if they want to have any chance of qualifying for the next round. “They have their backs against the wall,” said Rummenigge. If they lose and Roma beat CSKA Moscow, then the consolation of dropping into the Europa League would not be certain. “We can be happy that we still have a chance,” said France international Samir Nasri. “Normally, you’re out with only two points from four games.”

Bayern manager Pep Guardiola is likely to rotate his players as much as possible, despite the seriousness of the game. World Champion Jérôme Boateng, who was substituted during the 4-0 win over Hoffenheim due to bruising, is a candidate to be rotated, but he has flown with the team to Manchester.

The returning Schweinsteiger “helps with his charisma”

Sebastian Rode, who scored his first Bundesliga goal in a Bayern shirt on Saturday, could be given a chance in place of captain Philipp Lahm. “It was an amazing moment,” he said. Guardiola has recently praised the 24-year-old for his commitment. And he seems ready for a performance on the big stage. Along with Guardiola’s warm words, Sammer also had positive things to say about the ex-Frankfurt man: “Sebastian is first to every training session and he’s fantastic in the dressing room. He’s a model professional, which is how we imagined him to be.”

David Alaba, Claudio Pizarro, goalkeepers Tom Starke und Pepe Reina, Javi Martínez, Holger Badstuber and captain Lahm will all not be available for the game. Given the number of casualties, Rummenigge believes the performance of the team will be “a miracle.”

The comeback of vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has led to an element of relaxation. “Basti helps with his charisma,” said Matthias Sammer in kicker. But the starting line-up is not an option for World Champions Schweinsteiger, as he needs “to be introduced slowly,” added Bayern’s Sporting Director.