Manuel Neuer has insisted that Bayern Munich cannot afford to miss out on the Bundesliga title once more after tasting disappointment in the last two seasons.
The Bavarians had to settle for second spot behind Borussia Dortmund in 2011-12 and were third the year before that, but the shot-stopper has stressed that they have to be ready right from the first game this time around.
“There can be no more excuses,” Neuer told reporters.
“Right from the start, we want a show of strength. And we intend to be No.1 in Germany again.”
The former Schalke star then went on to discuss this weekend’s Bundesliga opener against Greuther Furth, and he expects a difficult encounter against the newly-promoted side.
“Greuther Furth rely on desire, attitude and exceptional fitness. They’ll do everything they can to annoy Bayern,” he continued.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 15:30CET.