Both Bayern Munich boss Uli Hoeness and defender Philipp Lahm admit they would prefer to avoid English clubs Liverpool and Manchester United when the quarter-final draw of the Champions League is made on Friday.
“I would prefer it if we didn’t get Liverpool, because at the moment they are very, very strong,” said Bayern team manager Hoeness with all four English clubs through to the last eight.
“I would also like it if we play our first match away and then come back to Munich for the second leg.
“To play a return leg at Manchester United’s Old Trafford would not be very agreeable.”
And defender Philipp Lahm also admitted he would prefer to avoid Rafael Benitez’s team.
“Against a team like Liverpool for example, we are still missing something,” admitted Lahm.
But Bayern set a Champions League record earlier this month when they beat Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon 12-1 over the two legs to book their quarter-final berth.
“We sent out a clear signal to the competition that it will be necessary to take us into account. We are very hungry and we want still want more,” said Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
“Nobody – not even Manchester United or Liverpool – should take us lightly.”
But Bayern have injury problems in attack with Germany striker Miroslav Klose out for at least six weeks with a ankle injury.
Bayern have not reached the Champions League semi-finals since they won Europe’s top competition in 2001.
