The says that the injury-ravaged Bavarians cannot afford to take anything for granted against the Portuguese, who are unbeaten in Europe this season
Pep Guardiola has warned Bayern Munich that they must not be complacent and allow Porto to get the upper hand in their Champions League quarter-final.
Porto, unlike Bayern, are unbeaten in the Champions League this season and reached the last eight by smashing Basel 5-1 on aggregate in the previous round.
Ahead of Wednesday’s first leg, Guardiola stressed that his injury-ravaged Bavarians must not allow the Portuguese’s pressing to get the better of them if they want to reach the semi-finals for the fourth time in five seasons.
“We’re here with these players and will give it our best shot,” the Catalan coach told reporters, alluding to the absence of a number of key men through injury.
“We can’t turn up in just one game if we want to progress, we need to do it in both games.
“They are not a counter-attacking team; they will also want to control the game. They like to press their opponents high.”
Porto boss Julen Lopetegui is a former team-mate of Guardiola’s, with the two having spent time at Barcelona together during their playing days, and the Bayern coach is delighted to be facing his compatriot.
“Lopetegui and I are lucky to be here, coaching big teams like Porto and Bayern,” the Spaniard added. “When I was younger, I never envisaged it.
“We I both love that we are in this situation. It is an honour for me and I congratulate him already for Porto’s great performances.
“Porto haven’t lost a game in the Champions League yet this season and I’m happy to be facing Julen.”
Bayern will host Porto at the Allianz Arena next Tuesday to decide which of the European heavyweights will reach the last four of the Champions League.