21 April,2015 07:52 AM IST | | AFP
With Bayern Munich needing at least two goals against Porto tonight to enter Champions League semi-finals, forward urges teammates not to lose their heads
Bayern's Thomas Muller during a training session
Munich: Thomas Müller insists Bayern Munich must resist any "kamikaze tactics" (suicidal tactics) against Porto in their desperation to overturn their two-goal deficit in today's quarter-final, second-leg, and avoid a Champions League exit.
Bayern's Thomas Muller during a training session. Pic/Getty Images
Porto's 1-3 win at the Estadio do Dragao last Wednesday left Bayern's dreams of winning the treble of Champions League, German league and cup titles in jeopardy. The Bavarians need to score at least twice at Munich's Allianz Arena to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the fourth year running.
But Müller insists the hosts must not throw everything into attack kamikaze-style and risk being caught out by a Porto counter-attack. Conceding an early goal would spell disaster for Bayern's hopes of reaching the Champions League final in Berlin on June 6.
"We have to play smart and avoid kamikaze tactics," said Müller. "Of course we feel the pressure, we have our backs to the wall, but having a challenge is a good thing for us. It is important to stay focused and score at least twice, but we can't leave ourselves vulnerable to counter-attacks.
"I am positive. A 2-0 win at home against Porto wouldn't be a miracle, would it? We'll have the crowd behind us, but it's down to us to score the goals on the pitch." Bayern captain Philipp Lahm will play after shaking off a stomach virus.
Midfield star Bastian Schweinsteiger could feature having trained on Sunday after an ankle injury and flu, but winger Franck Ribery is highly doubtful with eight Bayern players, including top-scorer Arjen Robben, currently injured.
