Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes his squad’s positive mood will help inspire them to a place in the Champions League first knockout round when they host struggling Steaua Bucharest tonight.
Saturday’s 4-1 defeat of Energie Cottbus extending an unbeaten run to eleven games in all competitions.
“The situation is very positive,” said Klinsmann, whose team will be certain of going through if they avoid defeat, but will still progress even if they lose and Fiorentina fail to beat Lyon in the night’s other Group F tie.
“We played very well on Saturday. We’ve got a great chance of going through to the last 16 – that’s our main ambition. We want to get the point we need.”
Philipp Lahm has recovered from the ankle injury which forced him to miss the draw at Fiorentina, meaning Ze Roberto – a makeshift left-back in Florence – will reclaim his place in midfield at the expense of Tim Borowski.
“There’s no problem with concentration, because the players know they were slightly fortunate to get a victory in Bucharest,” said the former Germany coach.
“Steaua have quality, and in a one-off game, you’ve always got a chance. We have to be switched on and fully committed to ensure there are no slip-ups.”
With just a single point from their first four matches, Steaua arrive in Germany with no chance of making the last 16. However, coach Dorinel Munteanu is determined to ensure his side can edge out Fiorentina for the UEFA Cup spot.
“Our objective is to qualify for the knockout rounds of the UEFA Cup,” said Munteanu. “We want to show our best side. It’s important for us that our players perform to the maximum of their abilities.”
Munteanu is fully aware of the scale of the task as Steaua bid to halt a winless run of 12 matches in all competitions.
“It’s a difficult match,” he said. “Bayern are favourites, but our players are focused and well-prepared. We have respect for Bayern, but there’s no fear.”
Romanian international George Ogararu misses out through injury, meaning Pawel Golanski will fill in at right-back for his first group-stage appearance this season. Greek striker Pantelis Kapetanos is also unavailable after suffering a groin injury in training.
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