Hat-trick of defeats haunts Bayern
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes said on Tuesday that the German champions were completely focussed on their Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on May 25 and defeat was unthinkable.
“Nothing will distract us,” said the 68-year-old who was told in mid-season he will be replaced by former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and is set to retire regardless of their European quest.
“The players are extremely solid, mentally and physically. We have an objective and no one will deter us from this goal,” he added ahead of the season’s showpiece match at Wembley Stadium in London.
“After last season, to play like we have this campaign proves that they are exceptional people with amazing determination and they are my players,” he added in reference to their devastating finale last season when they threw away victory in the final against Chelsea and also lost the German title to Dortmund.
Bayern who last lifted the continent’s most prestigious prize in 2001 — when they beat Valencia — have since lost finals against Inter Milan in 2010 and last year on penalties at their Alliance Arena fortress.
German international Thomas Muller and Dutch teammate Arjen Robben are determined to avoid the nightmarish thoughts of a hat-trick of defeats.
“If we lose for a third time, we will be given a reputation as losers and we certainly don’t want that,” said Muller.
“Losing twice is enough,” added Robben who suffered his own heartache with an extra-time penalty that was saved by Petr Cech before opting not to take part in the shoot-out.
Bayern, who romped to the Bundesliga title this season with a record breaking campaign, come into the tie in top form and boosted by the match winning performances of French winger Franck Ribery.
“He has taken it to another level,” complimented midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.
“It would be silly to not see that he is a world class player. Everyone can see that,” said the 28-year-old who has been at the club since 2002.
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