Yet for all that, there were a few hints of nervousness flitting around the Allianz Arena here as coach Pep Guardiola conceded that if Bayern fail to overcome Manchester United it would be too much to bear for Germany’s powerhouse champions.
“If we are not in the semi-finals, it is a huge mistake for us, for me, the new manager,” Guardiola conceded, with typical candour before resuming his quest to emulate the treble-winning season last year of predecessor Jupp Heynckes. “I know if we are not in the Champions League final, this club cannot deal with that. It’s very important me, for the team and I knew that before I came here. I knew right from the start that I have got to be in the situation so I can also get this treble. If I don’t do that, then, hey, it’s not so good! I have to accept this.”
In other words, Guardiola accepts that if Bayern slip he will be perceived to have failed, something to which he is not accustomed. Being the outstanding pass master he is, though, he is adamant that his side will find a way to breach the massed “eight or nine” man defence, which he is convinced will again be David Moyes’s modus operandi, and move ever closer to becoming the first team to defend successfully the Champions League.
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