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Laurent Blanc will not allow absences to key players in the first leg to be used as an excuse if Paris Saint-Germain fail to overturn a 3-1 deficit against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
French champions PSG were overran by an excellent Barca in last week's quarter-final first leg at the Parc des Princes and face an uphill task to turn the match on its head at Camp Nou.
PSG were shorn of ex-Barca star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti in the first leg due to suspension, while captain Thiago Silva went off injured early on and Thiago Motta missed out with a thigh complaint.
Blanc, though, believes the score would have been the same even if he had a full complement of players to choose from.
"The result [last week] would have been the same with our without our injured players," he said.
"I would love to have all the players available for the first and second leg, but that can't happen. We can't complain about that because Barcelona dominated the game in Paris."
The odds may be against PSG, but Blanc says PSG can take advantage of the fact his side are the underdogs and believes Ibrahimovic and Maxwell's knowledge of playing for Barcelona could be particularly invaluable.
"We know the task tomorrow is extremely difficult. Our problem is that we have to score, but I do believe we will have plenty of chances to do so," he added.
"We have nothing to lose and we hope to prove we are better than we were in the first leg.
"Ibrahimovic and Maxwell know the club and have lived in the city so they know the culture of the club. That is a plus for us.
"Ibrahimovic doesn't doubt himself on the pitch, he is very sure of himself. We have nothing to lose tomorrow and he likes that kind of match. We might be able to prove that we weren't at the right level for the first leg.
"It's important to have good strikers in a team and we didn't have Ibrahimovic in the first leg."
The striker is hopeful of causing an upset against Barcelona, whom he spent one season with, and refuses to give up just yet after their home loss last week
Zlatan Ibrahimovic feels Paris Saint-Germain have "nothing to lose" heading into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Barcelona.
The Ligue 1 champions were beaten 3-1 at Parc des Princes last week and will need to pull off a major shock in the return leg if they are to reach the final four.
Ibrahimovic refuses to throw in the towel just yet, however, and has stressed that PSG will give everything to cause an upset.
"We have nothing to lose," the experienced attacker stated via his official application Zlatan Unplugged.
"We will do everything within our powers to qualify. We must believe in ourselves and be confident that we can still progress."
The Sweden international missed the first leg due to suspension following his red card against Chelsea in the round of 16 and he is desperate to make an impact now he is back against his former club.
"It will be great to return to the pitch. I am even more driven to succeed than before."
PSG were eliminated by Barcelona in the quarter-finals on the away-goals rule in 2012-13.
Zinedine Zidane believes Paris Saint-Germain have the quality to defy the odds and overturn the 3-1 first-leg deficit to progress from their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona.
Missing suspended duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti, PSG were swept aside by Barcelona as Luis Suarez ran riot at Parc des Princes last week.
PSG welcome back Ibrahimovic and Verratti for the return leg at Camp Nou on Tuesday, but the French champions will be without captain Thiago Silva, as well as Thiago Motta and Serge Aurier.
However, Real Madrid Castilla coach Zidane said Laurent Blanc's men have enough quality to overhaul Barca.
"Obviously, it's going to be very difficult for Paris-Saint-Germain to score three goals in the Camp Nou. However, that team can do it," Zidane told reporters after the annual UN Match against Poverty on Monday.
"PSG have the players to do it. Some will be back for that game. During a game, everything is possible. Everything is allowed. It's going to be the most difficult challenge. People think they will not go through. It's at that moment that the players can achieve everything. I hope for them that they could create some problem to Barcelona.
"I remember that when we played against the great AC Milan, we lost 2-0 during the first leg. We've then won 3-0 at home. It was the great period with [Franco] Baresi, [Paolo] Maldini and everyone.
"That's not exactly the same, because in Paris there are great players, experienced players. During one game, everything is possible."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's influence on Paris Saint-Germain is "essential" according to team-mate Marco Verratti, as both prepare to return against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Suspended duo Verratti and Ibrahimovic missed PSG's 3-1 loss to Barca in their quarter-final first leg last week but are set to reinforce the capital club in Catalonia on Tuesday.
Ibrahimovic's position at PSG has been questioned over the past month after the Swedish striker was banned for an expletive-laden rant against Ligue 1 referees in March, but Verratti insists the 33-year-old is a calming influence on the team.
"I'd like to talk to you about what Zlatan is like behind closed doors, because everyone knows what he's like on the pitch," Verratti told PSG's own television show This is Paris.
"But it's away from it where he plays such an essential role. He's always on hand to help his teammates and he exerts so much confidence in the team. He helps the young players progress. He's there for everyone really.
"He always speaks his mind. And no matter what he says you have to listen to him because he has such great experience. He's such a great player and it's such a privilege to be given the opportunity to play alongside him."
Ibrahimovic last played for PSG in their 4-0 demolition of Bastia in the Coupe de la Ligue final on April 11 where he scored twice.
That was also Verratti's last appearance, with the Italian midfielder having played in six of PSG's nine Champions League matches this season.
PSG are aiming to reach the Champions League's final-four for the first time since 1994-95.
Julen Lopetegui is searching for "simple answers" as his Porto side attempt to complete one of the great UEFA Champions League upsets against Bayern Munich.
Porto travel to Munich with a 3-1 lead from last week's quarter-final first leg after surprising the German champions on their own turf.
Despite that advantage, Pep Guardiola's Bayern are heavily fancied to turn the tie on its head in Tuesday's return encounter at the Allianz Arena.
Lopetegui is relishing the challenge, though, and urged Porto to focus purely on the game and not what praise may lay ahead.
"We are focused on the match. We need to put everything we have planned into practice," he said.
"It will be a very difficult task, but we will try to find simple answers. We like the idea of playing against Bayern - one of the best teams in the world.
"We can't think about what could happen, we will just focus on the game tomorrow and try to give the answer on the pitch. We will try to create chances and play our game. We have to focus on our game.
"We need to produce a fantastic performance. We have earned the right to play in the quarter-finals - we have worked hard on this. All matches are crucial [at this stage], we will try everything to succeed and go through to the semis.
"We are proud of what we have achieved in this campaign.
"We will have the energy, the support and the affection of our fans - who yesterday gave us a massive send-off boost at the airport."
Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has pleaded for patience ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Porto.
Muller and Co. were stunned 3-1 in Portugal last week but can advance with a 2-0 triumph at home on Tuesday, prompting the 25-year-old attacker to claim Bayern hardly need a miracle at the Allianz Arena.
But while Muller promised Bayern will give their all to reach the final-four of the Champions League, he warned they cannot afford to ignore their defensive duties.
"It's important we don't get too wound up about the match," he told Bayern's website on Monday.
"Everyone just piling forward would be suicide."
Muller added: "We'll throw everything we've got at it.
"A 2-0 home win for FC Bayern wouldn't be a footballing wonder of the world, but we have to earn the result in the first place."
Bayern conceded twice in the opening 10 minutes in Porto and although Thiago Alcantara pulled a goal back in the first half, the home side wrapped up the match through Jackson Martinez just after the hour mark.
All three of Porto's goals came from Bayern errors with central defenders Jerome Boateng and Dante producing horrible performances.
"We have our backs to the wall to a certain extent," Muller said.
"It was simply damned unlucky timing that we made mistakes in the first leg of a knockout match in the Champions League."
Laurent Blanc says Paris Saint-Germain must look to emulate UEFA Champions League opponents Barcelona over the coming years.
PSG are facing a quarter-final exit for the third year running after losing the first leg 3-1 in Paris, with Tuesday's trip to Camp Nou representing a tall order.
With European success having eluded the French champions following substantial investment in 2011, Blanc says the club shoukd seek to model themselves on Barca.
"Barca are a big club, everyone knows that. The club are fortunate enough to have players who will be remembered for years after their retirement," the former France boss said.
"There's a difference between PSG and Barca - PSG are building a great club and Barcelona are already a great club.
"We know we are not here on a school trip, we know Barcelona will also want to win so we have to be strong."
PSG can welcome back suspended striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the second leg, although the Swede remains the subject of a three-match Ligue 1 ban.
Ibrahimovic's rant at a referee earned him the sanction, with PSG and Marseille opting to end their boycott of broadcaster Canal Plus when suspensions for the former Barca man and Dimitri Payet were reduced this week.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel used post-match footage from the broadcaster in coming to their decisions.
"We have nothing to lose and Ibra likes that kind of match," Blanc added.
"Barca always have possession. It's no surprise that this will happen again. I would like that to change, but Barcelona are one of the best in the world.
"I am convinced we will have chances to score and we will be more efficient than in Paris."
Dimitar Berbatov remains confident Monaco can reach the UEFA Champions League last four despite losing their quarter-final first leg to Juventus.
An Arturo Vidal penalty in Turin gave the Serie A leaders a 1-0 advantage heading into Wednesday's return clash, but Berbatov believes Monaco can turn the tie around.
Leonardo Jardim's side knocked out Arsenal in the round of 16 on away goals and Berbatov feels further surprises are in store.
"The Champions League semi-final is within our reach," Berbatov told Tuttosport.
"We can do it against Juventus. We're a good team, we've already shown that both against Arsenal and a week ago in Turin. We absolutely did not deserve to lose.
"In the first half we should have had a penalty, if the referee had given it, it would have been a different game.
"Then in the second half we had a non-existent penalty given against us, but that's football.
"We look forward with confidence and optimism, we're preparing well for the comeback. We know that Juve are a team which creates a lot, but also gives opportunities.
"We know we have the ability to get to the next round."
PSG wouldn't have beaten Barca with Ibrahimovic, Verratti and Thiago Motta around - Blanc
Apr 20, 2015 18:10:23
The Parc des Princes boss is convinced the absences from Wednesday's defeat to the Catalans could not have affected the 3-1 result
Laurent Blanc is convinced Zlatan Ibrahimovic , Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta could not have helped Paris Saint-Germain defeat Barcelona in their quarter-final first leg.
The French champions were beaten 3-1 by an excellent Barca side in last week's quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes and face an uphill task to turn the match on its head at Camp Nou.
PSG were shorn of ex-Barca star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti in the first leg due to suspension, while captain Thiago Silva went off injured early on and Thiago Motta missed out with a thigh complaint.
Blanc, though, believes the score would have been the same even if he had a full complement of players to choose from, with only Thiago Motta definitely sidelined once again for Tuesday's Champions League decider.
"The result last week would have been the same with or without our absent players," the coach told reporters.
"I would love to have all the players available for the first and second leg, but that can't happen. We can't complain about that because Barcelona dominated the game in Paris."
The odds may be against PSG, but Blanc says his team can take advantage of the fact his side are the underdogs and believes Ibrahimovic and Maxwell's knowledge of playing for Barcelona could be particularly invaluable.
"We know the task tomorrow is extremely difficult. Our problem is that we have to score, but I do believe we will have plenty of chances to do so," he added.
"We have nothing to lose and we hope to prove we are better than we were in the first leg.
"Ibrahimovic and Maxwell know the club and have lived in the city so they know the culture of the club. That is a plus for us.
"Ibrahimovic doesn't doubt himself on the pitch, he is very sure of himself. We have nothing to lose tomorrow and he likes that kind of match. We might be able to prove that we weren't at the right level for the first leg.
"It's important to have good strikers in a team and we didn't have Ibrahimovic in the first leg."
PSG must score at least three goals and win by at least a two-goal margin to reach the last four of the Champions League at Barca's expense.
Raul Garcia: Final revenge not on Atletico's minds
By Michael Tombs
Apr 20, 2015 17:15:11
The Rojiblancos midfielder is refusing to consider Wednesday's European clash with Real Madrid as a chance to exact vengeance on their rivals
Raul Garcia says Atletico Madrid are not seeking Champions League revenge in their quarter-final decider with Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Carlo Ancelotti's men triumphed over the Rojiblancos in the tournament's final last season, although Diego Simeone's side have since beaten the European champions four times and held them to a draw on three occasions.
The tie is poised at 0-0 after the first leg at the Vicente Calderon last week and, ahead of the return fixture, Raul Garcia says Atletico refuse to let last campaign's heartbreaking defeat in Lisbon weigh on their minds.
"We don't live in the past," the Spanish midfielder told AS. "Obviously we would have liked to win that final, but this is another duel, another season and we just think about that.
"The team is at an exceptional level and we'll go with a positive mind-set to play at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"There is no need for any motivation to address these games. The fixture does that by itself. Every player lives for games like Wednesday's."
Antoine Griezmann has scored six goals in his last four Liga games but Raul Garcia thinks it's the responsibility of the entire team to bolster their goalscoring chances against the Blancos.
"Griezmann's recent goals are very important, as they have been throughout the season," he added. "Everybody who plays is giving everything though but he in particular is adding to what we do."
Luis Enrique: Ibrahimovic's failure and Suarez's success at Barca baffles me
By Mark Doyle
Apr 20, 2015 14:19:47
The Swede only spent one season in Catalunya before returning to Italy, while the Uruguyan has established himself as a star man for the Blaugrana
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is baffled as to why Luis Suarez has succeeded where Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed by flourishing at Camp Nou.
Ibrahimovic arrived in Catalunya from Inter in 2009 for a reported €70 million but, despite a bright start to his Blaugrana career, the outspoken Swede returned to Italy after a solitary season in which he had a bitter falling-out with then coach Pep Guardiola.
Suarez, meanwhile, initially struggled to prove himself worthy of the €94m transfer fee Barca had paid Liverpool for his services, but his form has improved steadily since the turn of the year and is now back playing at his very best.
With Ibra set to face his former club on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain take on Barca in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Luis Enrique was asked to compare the two striker's contrasting fortunes at Barca.
"I don't know why Suarez has fitted in at Barcelona better than Ibrahimovic," the coach stated. "His goals took a while to arrive but I can only praise his performance and his work ethic.
"Although you sign a top player, you never know how he will adapt to the team or the city. Those handicaps can go against you but in the case of Suarez he has adapted very quickly. Some players take a while to adapt and others do it fast."
Ibrahimovic was forced to sit out last week's first leg through suspension and the prolific striker was missed, with Laurent Blanc's men slumping to a 3-1 home defeat.
The 33-year-old is now set to make his return to the starting line-up for the return tie, but Luis Enrique insists that the forward's inclusion will not alter his tactical plan.
"Ibrahimovic is back in the team but that doesn’t change matters because PSG will play with the same style," he stated. "We sometimes change it to create more problems for the opponent but not because of individual players.
"The opponent suffered a bad result in the first leg, and they will be looking to win by using every weapon they have. Our objective is clear: we want to win this match.
"I can’t say who stands a better chance of progressing. We need to play another great match to get through, that’s the truth.
"I would say we are at our highest level at the moment but tomorrow we will have to be in top form to face PSG."
PSG midfielder Marco Verratti also missed the first leg through suspension and Luis Enrique expects the Italian to have a big impact on the game, admitting that the 22-year-old is good enough for a place in Barca's much-vaunted midfield.
"Verratti has always been good enough to play for any team," the former Spain international added. "I love the player, ever since I saw him for the first time."
Barca are the favourites to win this season's Champions League in many pundits' eyes, particularly with Lionel Messi in such sensational form.
However, Luis Enrique was keen to play down his side's prospects, while at the same time praising his Argentine No.10 for reaching 400 goals for Barca in Saturday's 2-0 win over Valencia.
"Messi is at his best at the moment," he added. "He is very fit and has scored his 400 goals, which is an impossible figure really - he is unique," he continued.
"But we are not favourites to win the Champions League. We are a candidate for the semi-finals - so are PSG and every other participant.
"Four will qualify but any of the eight teams left can win the competition."
The Spain international was forced to miss Saturday's Liga win over Valencia with a pelvic injury sustained in last week's 3-1 win at Parc des Princes
Barcelona have announced that midfielder Andres Iniesta has been passed fit for Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou.
The Spain international was forced off eight minutes into the second half of the first leg at Parc des Princes after suffering a pelvic injury in a collision with PSG playmaker Javier Pastore.
The 30-year-old World Cup winner was subsequently forced to sit out Barca's Liga win over Valencia on Saturday but has now been cleared to return to action.
"Andres Iniesta has received medical clearance," read a statement released on the Catalan club's website on Monday. "The midfielder is now available for coach Luis Enrique, having recovered from severe contusion suffered during the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals versus Paris Saint-Germain.
"Both he and the rest of the available first-team players worked out on Monday morning. Jeremy Mathieu did individual work, while Thomas Vermaelen worked out with the group."
Barca will take a 3-1 advantage into the return fixture in Catalunya, with Neymar netting the opener before Luis Suarez struck a sensational double.
Guardiola: These have been the toughest months of my career
By Mark Doyle
Apr 20, 2015 12:52:22
The Spaniard is on the verge of winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles but he is under pressure to bring the Champions League back to the Allianz Arena
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has described the last few months as the toughest of his managerial career.
The Catalan is widely regarded as one of the most innovative tacticians in the game today, with his Barcelona side winning 14 trophies during his four-year stint in charge at Camp Nou between 2008 and 2012.
Guardiola subsequently took a year's sabbatical before taking over at Bayern in 2013, and immediately led the Bavarians to a domestic double in his first season at the helm.
However, with Bayern having suffered a shocking 5-0 aggregate loss to Real Madrid in the semi-finals of last year's Champions League, the former Spain international is now under pressure to win the European Cup, as well as the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
Guardiola has now admitted he has been feeling the heat ahead of Tuesday's clash with Porto, who lead 3-1 after last week's first leg at the Dragao.
"The last few months have been the most challenging of my managerial career - I have learned a lot about the passion of football," the 44-year-old trainer told reporters on the eve of the decisive Champions League quarter-final showdown.
"March and April are the deciding months of the season and it's the same for Porto, Juventus and every team.
"After the last few months of work, I can promise you we will give it a go against Porto. We have one more step to defend our Bundesliga title and tomorrow we're one step away from a Champions League semi-final.
"I am completely convinced that they will take their chances tomorrow, and for me as the manager, that is enough.
"My players are my heroes and they will stay in my heart for the rest of my life."
Guardiola also dismissed the suggestion that he had underestimated Julen Lopetegui's side ahead of their trip to the Dragao.
"I was not surprised at Porto's performance," the former midfield ace stated. "They are an excellent club with excellent players.
"But in 90 minutes everything is possible. Of course we're behind but tomorrow is about performing on the pitch."
Meanwhile, Guardiola revealed that Bastian Schweinsteiger has recovered from illness and is set to line up in midfield against Porto.
However, he remains pessimistic about Franck Ribery's hopes of playing any part, with the French winger still struggling with an ankle problem.
"Bastian can train with the team again today, so that's good news for us," he added. "But I don't think that Franck can play."
Modric, Robben and the players injured or suspended for Champions League
By Peter McVitie
Apr 20, 2015 09:00:00
Real Madrid suffered a double blow with the Croatian and Gareth Bale both picking up injuries on Saturday, while Bayern's injury crisis continues
Real Madrid were the latest team to be struck with an injury crisis heading into the second legs of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Luka Modric looks set to be out for the remainder of the campaign after picking up a knee injury in Saturday’s win over Malaga, while Gareth Bale will miss Wednesday’s meeting with Atletico Madrid having suffered a calf strain on Saturday.
The absence of the former Tottenham duo adds to that of Marcelo, who is serving a suspension, while Sami Khedira could miss the game and there remains a doubt over Karim Benzema, with the Frenchman likely to be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.
Atletico, on the other hand, have no such fears over their side, with Mario Suarez the only omission due to suspension.
Bayern Munich are the other team suffering severely due to injuries in recent weeks. The Bavarian side must fight back from a 3-1 defeat in the first leg without the likes of Arjen Robben, Mehdi Benatia, David Alaba, Javi Martinez and Tom Starke. Initial hopes that Franck Ribery could return to feature in the second leg have all but been wiped out, while Philipp Lahm, who missed Saturday’s win over Hoffenheim, and Bastian Schweinsteiger face a race against time to be fit.
Porto are already without the suspended Danilo and Alex Sandro, while Cristian Tello is not expected to be fit for the game.
Bale | The Real Madrid attacker will miss the meeting with Atletico due to a calf injury
Paris Saint-Germain were lucky to see David Luiz make a quick recovery from a hamstring injury in time for their first-leg clash with Barcelona last week as he was called upon to replace the injured Thiago Silva in the first half. The latter has been ruled out of the Camp Nou return after failing to recover from a thigh injury. Thiago Motta has been excluded from the squad as he is also struggling with a thigh injury. Serge Aurier is suspended.
Andres Iniesta was Luis Enrique's only concern but the midfielder has been passed fit. Thomas Vermaelen is the only other likely absentee.
Massimiliano Allegri has admitted the chance of Paul Pogba featuring for Juventus against Monaco on Wednesday is “virtually zero”. The French midfielder remains on the sidelines with Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah.
Monaco, on the other hand, are without Lacina Traore and Tiemoue Bakayoko for the meeting in France. Geoffrey Kondogbia missed the weekend’s meeting with Rennes due to a sprained ankle and Jeremy Toulalan, suffering from a thigh injury, was also absent but both are expected to take on Juve at the Stade Louis II.
Torres: Real Madrid game most special of my career
By Michael Tombs
Apr 20, 2015 20:28:43
The Atletico striker says he has played in more important games than Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Carlo Ancelotti's men - but none as special
Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres has billed Wednesday's Champions League match with Real Madrid as the most special of his career.
The reigning Liga champions held their city rivals to a goalless draw last week to set up a crucial match in the quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It will be the eighth time the two sides have met this term, with Carlo Ancelotti's men failing to win any of the previous encounters.
With Atletico's last defeat to the Blancos coming in the Champions League final last season, Torres believes the opportunity to knock their adversaries out of the competition this time around is a "special" one.
“I've been fortunate to play the final of the Champions League and the Europa League, but with Atleti it is different," he said.
"I've always said that my dream is to win titles with Atletico and we must keep fighting. I've played in games that are more important than this one, but not as special.”
The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker has endured a mixed start to life since his return to the Vicente Calderon in January. He scored twice as they knocked Madrid out of the Copa del Rey and tucked away the winning penalty against Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16 of the Champions League.
However, he has often been overlooked for a starting place, with coach Diego Simone preferring Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann to star up front.
The Spain international is happy with his role in the team thus far, though.
“Competition is good for the squad. One must always be prepared for when the time comes. I'm enjoying every day of my return to Atletico.
“People who understand sport will understand what I mean. I'm happy with how things are going, how I played in big games. But I will not settle. I want to play.”
The Colombia international is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's match versus Atletico and dreams of winning the European title this campaign
James Rodriguez has stressed Real Madrid will do everything within their powers to eliminate Atletico Madrid and successfully defend their Champions League crown.
Carlo Ancelotti's men were held to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the quarter-final tie at the Vicente Calderon last week and they face a tough task to make it to the final four with the likes of Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale out injured.
Nevertheless, James is optimistic ahead of Wednesday's return at the Santiago Bernabeu and is confident they can progress in pursuit of their 11th top European trophy.
"We're going to give everything to be able to win La Undecima. There's always pressure here. You have to know how to handle it," James was quoted as saying on the Bwin website.
"Atletico are an intense team who are good at the back and are a unit.
"We have to show intensity, be completely focused, play well and all stick together. I think that if we do that we'll come away with an excellent result.
"What's important is winning and getting through this tough match, which is going to be difficult, but we're here at our home stadium and in front of our fans. I think it could be a great match.
"We're all dreaming of getting through this round and if I can score too that'd be great."
James Rodriguez was not among the Blancos players to triumph in the Champions League final over Diego Simeone's men last season as he only joined Carlo Ancelotti's side after the World Cup in 2014.
Real Madrid have not won any of their last seven Madrid derbies in all competitions since that final win, losing four and drawing three.
The Spaniard is feeling the pressure ahead of the quarter-final decider with Porto on Tuesday as he realises the Bavarians are expected to win it all
Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Bayern Munich must win the treble for their 2014-15 season to be considered a success.
The Allianz Arena side are on the verge of clinching the Bundesliga title, while they also made it to the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal earlier this month after seeing off Bayer Leverkusen.
However, they are in danger of Champions League elimination after losing the first leg of their quarter-final tie at Porto 3-1.
Guardiola has since received his fair share of criticism, yet the former Barcelona boss is not surprised considering the high expectations around the Bavarians.
"I know at which club I am working. I am well aware of the expectations at a club like Bayern," Guardiola was quoted as saying by Bild.
"I know that winning the Bundesliga title will not be enough. I also know that winning the DFB Pokal on top of that will not be enough.
"Because this is Bayern Munich. Only the treble will suffice at this stage."
Bayern last won the treble under Jupp Heynckes in 2012-13, when they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Champions League final.
The Bayern honorary president still has faith in the Spaniard, while he remains confident they can turn things around versus Porto
Bayern Munich icon Franz Beckenbauer thinks it is too "drastic" to think of Pep Guardiola as a failure at the club.
The German champions were heavily beaten by Real Madrid in Europe last term, while they face an uphill task to make the semi-finals of the Champions League this season after a 3-1 defeat at Porto last week.
Ahead of Tuesday's return leg at the Allianz Arena, the Bavarians' honorary president is adamant Guardiola remains the right man for the job.
"Has Guardiola failed? No. I think it would be too drastic to make such a claim," Beckenbauer told Bild.
"Of course, you have to be on top of your game in the knockout stages of the Champions League. We have failed to do just that in three out of four games.
"Bayern were beaten twice by Real Madrid last year. We have not forgotten about the 4-0 loss yet.
"Not a single Bayern player reached his usual level against Porto. But I can say one thing and that is that I still have complete faith in Guardiola, even if the situation is quite tricky."
Beckenbauer then went on to stress that Bayern can still turn things aroung versus Porto in Tuesday's second leg at the Allianz Arena.
"The team simply did not perform well in Porto and lost because of big individual mistakes," he added. "Bayern cannot afford to make the same mistakes again. I predict a 3-1 win, with Bayern progressing after penalties."
The French striker is the latest player to be sidelined for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final decider against Atletico
Karim Benzema will definitely join Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Marcelo on the Real Madrid sidelines against Atletico on Wednesday.
Goal understands Benzema, who played no part in Madrid's 3-1 win over Malaga on Saturday, failed to prove his fitness in a training session on Monday due to an issue with the striker's right knee, with the Santiago Bernabeu side confirming his injury on Tuesday.
"Following tests carried out on Karim Benzema at La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been found to have a sprain to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee," a club statement reads.
"His situation will be monitored."
The France international's absence leaves Madrid with only Ballon d'Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo fit of Carlo Ancelotti's usual attacking trio.
Bale lasted only five minutes against Malaga before being forced off with a calf injury which the European champions confirmed was not merely a knock on Monday.
Benzema and Bale's absences raise question marks about who will start in attack alongside Ronaldo, with Isco and Javier Hernandez expected to start with the Portuguese star.
Attack is not the only area that will have Blancos fans fearing for their European security as Luka Modric was ruled out for up to six weeks with a sprained ligament in his knee.
Asier Illarramendi and Lucas Silva are options for Santiago Bernabeu boss Ancelotti, who is gunning for his fourth Champions League crown this season.
Brazilian left-back Marcelo's suspension for the Madrid derby game will also test the team's squad depth as they look to beat Atletico for the first time (at the eighth attempt) since lasts season's Champions League final.
Morata: Juventus don't need superstars to win Champions League
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 21, 2015 12:03:18
The Spanish forward feels the Bianconeri's spirit makes up for their lack of superstars and he is confident they can go far in Europe
Alvaro Morata believes Juventus can go all the way in the Champions League even without the presence of superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Turin giants have one foot in the semi-finals after last week's 1-0 win over Monaco in Turin and will hope to wrap up the last-eight clash at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday.
Morata won European club football's elite competition with Madrid last year alongside Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but he feels the lack of superstars at Juventus is not necessarily a bad thing.
"Look at the past editions of the tournament, even last season's one. Some teams went far in the competition and they weren't made of just superstars. Sometimes dedication and a strong spirit can be enough," Morata told Tuttosport.
"Juventus have an extraordinary team spirit. When I arrived here, I was amazed in discovering how great players like Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo made a big effort to make me feel welcome.
"With this kind of spirit, we can definitely go far - even to Berlin for the final. Why not?
"It will be difficult and we all are aware of this, but not impossible. We must keep the faith."
Juventus last won the Champions League in 1995-96, when they beat Ajax after penalties.
