Bayerns six must watch out, warns Heynckes

28 April 2013 16:17

Bayern Munich travel to Barcelona for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, second-leg, with six of their squad just one yellow card away from facing a ban should they reach the Wembley final on May 25.

After Bayern romped to a 4-0 win over Barcelona last Tuesday, captain Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez, Luiz Gustavo, Dante and Mario Gomez must avoid another yellow card in Wednesday's return at the Camp Nou.

"I'm going to nominate the best possible team, it's not something which comes into my thinking," insisted Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes.

"The players just know they must play in a very disciplined manner, which means no gestures, no unnecessary fouls and not to be provoked.

"That is crucial."

Bidding to reach their third Champions League final in the last four years, Bayern had a similar situation when they faced Real Madrid away in last year's Champions League semi-final, second-leg.

Back then seven of the team were just one yellow away from being banned from the final with three - David Alaba, Gustavo and Holger Badstuber - actually picking up a booking which saw them miss the final defeat at home to Chelsea.

Despite the huge advantage from the first leg, Bayern travel to Spain expecting Barcelona to put up a fierce fight on home turf.

Bayern played Barcelona off the park in the first leg: despite enjoying just 37 percent possession, they still managed 13 attempts on goal, compared to Barca's four, but Heynckes said they need another impressive display.

"We need the same composure, strong running and tactical nous," said the 67-year-old.

"Barcelona are the best team in the world.

"We know that they have already achieved huge results at home.

"When your pride is hurt you'll try anything, so we need a top performance."

Bayern's director of sport Matthias Sammer also warned of complacency after Munich suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal in the last 16 having won the first leg 3-1 in London.

"If we play like we did at home against Arsenal at home - namely not fast enough to the ball and partly undisciplined - then it might be uncomfortable and dangerous," warned Sammer.

France wing Franck Ribery said nothing has yet been decided: "It is not finished yet! We still have a game at the Camp Nou, which is so difficult.

"We need another big performance and to work together."

Source: AFP