Muller desperate to win the Champions League this season

Muller desperate to win Champions League

Feb 18, 2013 9:10:00 AM

The Bayern Munich attacker dismissed revenge as motivation for his European glory desire, and highlighted Barcelona and Manchester United as major threats

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has revealed he is desperate to win the Champions League this season, though he dismissed the club’s failings in last year’s final as a motivation behind his desire for success.

Chelsea beat the Bavarians in a penalty shoot-out at their own stadium, the Allianz Arena, in the 2011-12 European cup final.

Jupp Heynckes’ men face Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday in the first leg away from home, but Muller rejected the notion of revenge for the previous campaign’s failings and stressed the team must keep up their quality form this season.

"I do not care for revenge," the Germany international told Kicker. "I just want to win this thing, as quickly as possible.

"Therefore, our goal this year again is to get to the final again. We are in good form and are not afraid of Arsenal. We strive to play to our maximum everywhere."

Muller insisted there is not a club in Europe that Bayern fear, though he accepted that there are footballing juggernauts still in the competition that will be tough to beat.

"We can compete with any team in Europe," he added. "We know from the last three years what we can achieve.

“However, Barcelona are able to play exceptional football, and also Manchester United are constant threats in England.

"[Barcelona] have broken incredible records. For years Barcelona have worked in this way.

"Their growing understanding within the team applies to us as well. For example, because the whole team takes part, we are better defensively this season."

Die Roten head into the game on the back of a 2-0 victory over Wolfsburg, while Arsene Wenger will be hoping that the Gunners can avoid another home defeat after being beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

"We want to win against Arsenal," Muller added. "No matter when and where: we have to win this thing [the Champions League] at some point."

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