Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says Bayern Munich knows how to “hurt” Paris Saint-Germain as the Bavarians prepare for their Champions League titleholders’ away game on Tuesday.
PSG won the Champions League at Bayern’s Allianz Arena last year, defeating Inter Milan 5-0, but the Bavarian giants arrive at the Parc des Princes in excellent form.
Bayern have won all 15 of their matches in all competitions this season, establishing a new record for the finest start in Europe’s top five leagues.
The 39-year-old captain stated that his team “don’t have any fear” of the French champions, adding, “We love to play against PSG, and we’re playing to win.”
Neuer, a two-time Champions League winner with Bayern, believes the visitors have a clear plan to scare PSG.
“We are both teams that like to have the ball; that’s well-known, and perhaps we don’t like to defend much,” he said.
“There will certainly be opportunities to counterattack. You have to be wide awake for that and also try to have a good defensive structure against these strong and fast opponents.
“That’s exactly how we want to hurt the Parisians.”
England captain Harry Kane’s outstanding form has been vital to Bayern’s historic season.
Kane has 22 goals in Bayern’s 15-game winning streak, but he has also been playing a more creative role in the team, dropping deep to assist in build-up play.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany told reporters that Kane’s “understanding of the role has evolved” this season.
“It’s a bit of a mix of creating the conditions for him to do what he does really well but ensuring he is where he needs to be to score goals,” the Belgian said.
“Harry has a lot of experience and a good feeling for the game… Harry doesn’t have a very different role from last year, but he’s evolved in how he sees the role.”
