FC Bayern Munchen News

The experienced defender has set his sights on a semi-final win over Wolfsburg, while chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is full of ambition, too

Philipp Lahm has stressed that Bayern Munich will not take Tuesday’s DFB-Pokal semi-final against Wolfsburg lightly as they are determined to make it to the showpiece.

The Bavarians missed out on the cup last term, losing 5-2 to Borussia Dortmund in the final and they are keen to make amends this season.

“We’re determined to make the final, as are our fans and staff. We all want a trip to Berlin. It’s fabulous and our big target,” Lahm was quoted as saying on the club’s official website.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, meanwhile, added that Bayern realise that it will not be easy to book their ticket for the final.

“Our target is to go to Berlin. And we’ve been there regularly in recent years,” Rummenigge added.

“We know it won’t just take care of itself and that we’ll have to concentrate hard yet again.”

Tuesday’s match at the Allianz Arena kicks off at 20:30CET.

The Roten president is eagerly anticipating the clash against the Liga leaders and believes the Catalans will not feel too confident either

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has acknowledged that the Bundesliga champions face a tough task to reach the Champions League final at the expense of Barcelona, but believes that the Blaugrana will not be happy to have been paired with the Bavarians either.

The former West Germany forward has admitted that the Catalans were the team his side wanted to avoid most, but was quick to point out that they will have to beat every opponent if they are to win European club football’s elite competition.

“Being paired with Barcelona is the most difficult thing that could happen us. We were hoping for an away game first and then the second leg at home, but that did not happen. It doesn’t get any harder than Barcelona in this scenario,” Hoeness told TZ.

“On the other hand, the more I think about it, the more I start seeing it as a huge challenge. If you want to win the Champions League, you will have to beat every opponent.

“I am convinced that Barca will not be happy to face us either.”

The first leg at the Allianz Arena takes place on April 23.

The former Roten coach says his old club have asserted themselves as the best club in Europe ahead of the Bluagrana

Former Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath has claimed that Barcelona “have no chance” against his old club when they meet in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Bavarians have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Juventus en route to the last four and the ex-Schalke boss believes they have the edge of the Blaugrana.

“At the moment, Bayern Munich are the best team in Europe,” the 59-year-old told Liga Total.

“I assume that Barcelona, with their current form, have no chance against Bayern!”

The first leg takes place at the Allianz Arena on April 23, with the two sides meeting at Camp Nou eight days later.

The Blaugrana sporting director believes the 42-year-old will “not suffer” as his old club go head to head with his next team in the Champions League

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is certain former Blaugrana coach Pep Guardiola will enjoy watching the upcoming Champions League tie against future employers Bayern Munich.

The Catalans drew the Bavarian giants as their semi-final opponents in the competition, and the former goalkeeper believes the 42-year-old is looking forward to the clash.

“[Guardiola] will enjoy rather than suffer with the tie,” the Spain legend told Marca.

“We have to leave Guardiola alone, he is in New York and I don’t know if he’s preparing things. It’s a tie between these teams, let’s leave those out who are not involved.”

For his part, Zubizarreta is looking forward to seeing his side clashing another one of Europe’s finest teams.

“It’s football at its best. Both teams can rely on individual and collective solutions. They aren’t easy opponents to play, it seems to be a good tie.”

Barcelona travel to the Allianz Arena on April 23, with the second leg coming eight days later.

The Bayern Munich defender has defended the quality of the XI put out by Jupp Heynckes for the 4-0 Bavarian derby win over Nurnberg on Saturday

Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng has labelled claims that Jupp Heynckes put out a B-Team for the 4-0 win over Nurnberg “disrespectful”.

Following their midweek victory over Juventus, the Bavarians rested a number of stars for the derby clash but the Germany international feels the side who played was still very strong.

“Honestly speaking, I think it’s pretty disrespectful to talk about a B-Team,” the 24-year-old told Bild.

“They were even talking about a B-Team when there were changes on only three positions, when Arjen Robben, Mario Gomez and me, three international players, were in the starting XI.

“A little bit more respect is called for.”

The Bundesliga champions meet Barcelona on April 23 for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie at the Allianz Arena, but Boateng refused to talk about the encounter so early.

“What is it the point in starting the big talk now?” he continued.

“Last year, everything went fine until right before the end. And all of the sudden, we were the muppets. However, we can set thing straight this year.”