Players of Bayern Munich attend a training session in Munich, Germany, May 7, 2024. Bayern Munich of Germany will play against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match in Madrid, Spain, on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- For Thomas Muller, self-confidence and efficiency are the keys to success for Bayern Munich when crossing swords with Spanish giant Real Madrid.
"It's a game on eye level, an issue on the knife-edge," the 34-year-old Bavarian icon said ahead of the second leg in the semis of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League.
The Bayern striker said football is about efficiency, and a duel on that level "is about millimeters when we create chances."
Wednesday evening's encounter will be Muller's 151st Champions League appearance, and his sixth at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"We need to show robustness and confidence. It's their stadium and a very special one. Let's leave a red dot in all the shiny white," the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner stated.
"It's important to show we are the indomitable Bavarians," he added.
Following the 2-2 draw in Munich a week ago, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer spoke of a final "we are facing. I expect an exceptional game."
The circumstances couldn't be trickier for the Bavarians.
Not only has Real Madrid won 18 of its 19 Champions League duels when not losing the first leg, but also a tense atmosphere is surrounding the Bundesliga outfit.
The search for a successor for departing Thomas Tuchel seems to have turned into a never-ending story after several candidates reportedly rejected the club's offer, such as Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso and Austrian national coach Ralf Rangnick.
Latest media reports talk of Bayern eying Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag, who coached Bayern's amateur side from 2013 to 2015.
Speculations seem to grow by the minute as the TV station Sky is reporting several leading players have voted in favor of a stay of Tuchel. "At present, all is said about this," the Bayern coach replied.
Despite a poor league campaign and a setback in the German Cup, the duel against the Spaniards is providing the chance to create some sort of happy end.
At least, when it comes to the Champions League, Tuchel and his team seem to have developed a wagon castle mentality.
Ahead of the Bavarians' most important game of the season, defender Matthijs de Ligt and striker Jamal Musiala returned to regular team training.
The likely return of Dutch international De Ligt is said to improve the quality of Bayern's back row.
"We need to be ready for 90, 120 minutes, and a penalty shootout, and we are," Muller said and praised his side's latest upswing. "It's on us to get the ball over the line." ■
Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich attends a training session in Munich, Germany, May 7, 2024. Bayern Munich of Germany will play against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match in Madrid, Spain, on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Serge Gnabry of Bayern Munich attends a training session in Munich, Germany, May 7, 2024. Bayern Munich of Germany will play against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match in Madrid, Spain, on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Thomas Tuchel, head coach of Bayern Munich, reacts during a training session in Munich, Germany, May 7, 2024. Bayern Munich of Germany will play against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match in Madrid, Spain, on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Players of Bayern Munich attend a training session in Munich, Germany, May 7, 2024. Bayern Munich of Germany will play against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match in Madrid, Spain, on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Leroy Sane (L) and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting of Bayern Munich attend a training session in Munich, Germany, May 7, 2024. Bayern Munich of Germany will play against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match in Madrid, Spain, on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
