Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has looked to invigorate his team-mates ahead of the opening game of the season by claiming that the side must beat Greuther Furth.
The Germany international captained the Bavarians to second in the Bundesliga last season, but having seen their failure to overcome the challenge of Borussia Dortmund for the past two campaigns, the defender is now keen to wrestle back the league title.
“We have failed to win the league for two years, this year we want to focus on the Bundesliga and being Champions again,” Lahm told reporters.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Manuel Neuer echoed his captain’s sentiment, adding: “We will look to beat Greuther Furth on Saturday.
“We know that we need to start well, that we need three points from the opening game. We want to show everyone, from the outset that we are strong.
“We have to prove that we are the number one team in Germany.”