Pep Guardiola insists Bayern Munich’s record 7-1 away victory over AS Roma a fortnight ago is more of a hindrance than a help ahead of Wednesday’sChampions League return leg.
A fourth consecutive group-phase victory at the Allianz Arena will put Bayern into the last 16 with two matches to spare and see them qualify for the Champions League knockout phase for the seventh successive year.
The German champions trounced Rudi Garcia’s side at the Olympic Stadium last month.
Netherlands winger Arjen Robben scored twice to keep Bayern in firm control of Group E and five points ahead of nearest rivals Roma.
Guardiola says the result, the club’s record away win in Europe, now offers them little help in their quest for a place in the Champions League final in Berlin on June 6.
“Unfortunately, we won 7-1 and that will make our task harder,” said Guardiola.
“Roma have their pride and won’t want to experience something like that again.
“They have a very good, youthful side and can impose their game on you if you give them too much room.
“It’s a different game. We’re focused on the massive chance we have to progress to the next round.”
Bayern are unbeaten this season in all competitions and top the Bundesliga table by four points from VfL Wolfsburg.
Some in the German media are questioning who will halt their relentless quest for titles with the country’s best-selling daily Bild dubbing Guardiola’s side ‘FC Unbeatable’.
But Robben says the squad only care about securing their place in the knockout round as soon as possible and finishing as group winners.
“I think it’s normal that we will approach the game at full throttle,” said Robben.
“We aren’t reckless, we’ll be just as well prepared as we always are.
“But the season is long and we need to stay calm, the prizes will only be handed out in May.”
Guardiola added that France wing Franck Ribery could start against Roma having come off the bench and played a key role in Bayern’s 2-1 come from behind win against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. – Agence France-Presse
