Pep Guardiola wants team to maintain perfect group record

Bayern Munich boss wants his team to beat Manchester City today in the Champions League

Coach Pep Guardiola has demanded Bayern Munich finish the Champions League’s group phase with the perfect record of six wins by seeing off Manchester City at home today.

Pep Guardiola

Bayern are on a record run of 10 consecutive Champions League victories, but Guardiola wants to finish with 18 points — something they failed to achieve last season under Jupp Heynckes, despite winning the title.

Even with City and Bayern already into the knock-out phase, only a victory at Munich’s Allianz Arena and guaranteed top spot in Group D will suffice for the Spaniard.

“We’re not yet confirmed as first in the group, but we have the chance to finish with six wins,” said Guardiola.u00a0“We have a big chance to be first, which would be good for us in the knock-out phase, so that is what we have to aim for.”

Thomas Mueller, Franck Ribery, Mario Mandzukic and David Alaba during Bayern’s match against Werder Bremen on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Guardiola said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm is set to return after a two- week absence following a hamstring injury, while Germany midfielder Mario Goetze should play despite suffering from a thigh knock.

Having broken Barcelona’s record for consecutive Champions League wins, Guardiola said he is only interested in seeing Bayern finish the group stage campaign with a perfect points haul. “The records aren’t important to me, they are important only for the history of the team, the club and the record books,” he said.

“18 points for winning all the games means prestige and there is prize money at stake, that is what we must focus on.”u00a0Bayern swept aside City 3-1 at the Ethiad Stadium in October — the only time Manuel Pellegrini’s side has lost at home this season.u00a0

Champions League

Bayern Munich vs Manchester City on Ten Sports, 01:15 (Wednesday)

Manchester United vs Shakhtar Donetsk on Ten Action, 01:15 (Wednesday)

FC Copenhagen vs Real Madrid, on Ten HD, 01:15 (Wednesday)

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