Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has admitted that he is relieved his team will be facing Italy’s Inter, rather than Barcelona, in the Champions League final on May 22.
Inter lost their second-leg tie 1-0 at Barcelona to secure a 3-2 aggregate win over the holders and book a place in the final against Bayern.
“Against Inter, our chances are much better than they would be against Barca,” said van Gaal.
“Inter do not play as offensively as Barcelona.”
The final will pitvan Gaal against Mourinho and the pair worked together when the Dutchman coached .
Mourinho was van Gaal’s translator and statistician at Barcelona before the self-styled “The Special One” went on to enjoy success at Premier League side Chelsea.
“He is a friend and an extraordinary coach,” said van Gaal.
Bayern will be playing their first Champions League final since they beat Valencia on penalties in 2001 while Inter last reached this stage in 1972 when they were beaten 2-0 by Ajax.
