Besiktas JK vs Bayern Munich - Muller says his side are travelling to Besiktas with a job to do
Posted Wednesday, March 14, 2018 by PA
It will take a miracle for the Bundesliga champions to miss out on a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a stunning 5-0 first-leg win over their Turkish opponents three weeks ago.
But Muller insists his side are not travelling for a tourist trip.
``We're not going to Istanbul for some sightseeing,'' Muller said on his club's official website.
``It's a Champions League knock-out tie. We'll be 1,000 per cent serious.
``We're looking forward to the atmosphere. Its reputation precedes itself.''
Boss Jupp Heynckes is preaching a similar theme, insisting that there is still expectation for Bayern to perform.
He said at his pre-match press conference: ``I know from experience what is demanded from us in the Champions League.
``We have a big lead, but there are always details that can be perfected.
``We face an absolutely top opponent. They have fans that will be fired up and will be urging their team forward.
``That's what makes football so special. Without the fans it would be an emotionless game.''
Heynckes does have some selection issues to contend with though, as winger Arjen Robben has not travelled to the Turkish capital due to a slight knock, though the injury is not serious.
James Rodriguez and Thiago Alcantara are available.
Not only are Besiktas facing mission impossible they must do so without a number of key players.
Domagoj Vida is suspended following his red card that was so costly in the first leg, Pepe is injured, while there are also doubts over Adriano Correia, Dusko Tosic and Caner Erkin.
Boss Senol Gunes is trying to treat the second leg as an individual encounter.
``I wish to be successful tomorrow,'' he said on the club's official website.
``The first match will be an independent match. The score in the first game reduced our target and our confidence to the lower level.
``We want to play a good game in the second game.
``We showed what we can do in every game we play in Europe. I do not want to see football again like in the second half of the Munich game.
``Whatever the outcome, we are saying goodbye to Europe, we want to make a good impression for next year. ''
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