ABOVE: Thomas Muller gave Bayern the lead against Chelsea last year but the final ended in tears for Bayern
Last year's final won't have a negative impact, only a positive one because we're motivated.
Germany and Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller
THOMAS MULLER insists Bayern Munich's Champions
League heartache against Chelsea last year will be an inspiration rather
than a weight on their shoulders.
Bayern take on big rivals Borussia Dortmund at
Wembley tonight, 12 months after suffering penalty shoot-out pain in the
final against Chelsea.
The Blues stunned Bayern on their own Allianz Arena pitch on spot-kicks to lift the trophy.
It was unlucky Bayern's second Champions League final defeat in three seasons after a 2-0 setback against Inter Milan in 2010, having also lost to Manchester United in 1999.
Attacking midfielder Muller, 23, said: "Last year's final won't have a negative impact, only a positive one because we're motivated.
"We'll be even more attentive in our actions than a standard scenario. We won't be giving anything away. It will only sharpen our senses.
"We really did play very well last year and up to the 63rd minute we didn't score against Chelsea and then (when we did) it was only one.
"That was the only thing. There were perhaps some deficiencies and that cost us the title.
"We didn't like the way it happened but we have to be even more rigorous.
"I do think we're doing right thing.
Our performance has been good and the team has progressed. We're there for each other and we're efficient."
Muller says there will be no fears among Juup Heynckes' all-star squad if it goes all the way to penalties again.
He said: "You never know who will be on the pitch (if it goes to penalties) but I don't think anyone is going to wet their pants over it."
Muller was in relaxed mood, all smiles and cracking jokes at yesterday's press conference.
His coolness and confidence was perhaps no surprise given the recordbreaking season Bayern have enjoyed.
They romped to the German title, finishing 25 points ahead of Dortmund and setting a staggering 24 new league records along the way.
Muller said: "I can't say I have a feeling we have any weakness in football. We've played a lot of games without goals being scored against us. We feel good about this game."
Bayern smashed Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals on their march to yet another Champions League final.
Captain Philipp Lahm reckons victory in his and Muller's third final could be the start of a golden era for the German giants.
Full-back Lahm, 29, said: "We want to get the cup for Munich and then we'll see how things develop. I see a very positive future. Our team is great, we're the right age and we work together well. Things look good.
"It's the third time in four years we're in the final and I'm certain we'll carry on at this level for the next few years. We're all at the best age for footballers."
Boss Heynckes, who is all set to retire and be replaced by Pep Guardiola, would is only thinking about tonight.
Heynckes, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 1998, said: "We hope Wembley turns out to be a better base than the Allianz was.
"Another city might bring us luck. Last year we were the better team. Perhaps this time the football gods will be with us."
The Blues stunned Bayern on their own Allianz Arena pitch on spot-kicks to lift the trophy.
It was unlucky Bayern's second Champions League final defeat in three seasons after a 2-0 setback against Inter Milan in 2010, having also lost to Manchester United in 1999.
Attacking midfielder Muller, 23, said: "Last year's final won't have a negative impact, only a positive one because we're motivated.
"We'll be even more attentive in our actions than a standard scenario. We won't be giving anything away. It will only sharpen our senses.
"We really did play very well last year and up to the 63rd minute we didn't score against Chelsea and then (when we did) it was only one.
"That was the only thing. There were perhaps some deficiencies and that cost us the title.
"We didn't like the way it happened but we have to be even more rigorous.
"I do think we're doing right thing.
Our performance has been good and the team has progressed. We're there for each other and we're efficient."
Muller says there will be no fears among Juup Heynckes' all-star squad if it goes all the way to penalties again.
He said: "You never know who will be on the pitch (if it goes to penalties) but I don't think anyone is going to wet their pants over it."
Muller was in relaxed mood, all smiles and cracking jokes at yesterday's press conference.
His coolness and confidence was perhaps no surprise given the recordbreaking season Bayern have enjoyed.
They romped to the German title, finishing 25 points ahead of Dortmund and setting a staggering 24 new league records along the way.
Muller said: "I can't say I have a feeling we have any weakness in football. We've played a lot of games without goals being scored against us. We feel good about this game."
Bayern smashed Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals on their march to yet another Champions League final.
Captain Philipp Lahm reckons victory in his and Muller's third final could be the start of a golden era for the German giants.
Full-back Lahm, 29, said: "We want to get the cup for Munich and then we'll see how things develop. I see a very positive future. Our team is great, we're the right age and we work together well. Things look good.
"It's the third time in four years we're in the final and I'm certain we'll carry on at this level for the next few years. We're all at the best age for footballers."
Boss Heynckes, who is all set to retire and be replaced by Pep Guardiola, would is only thinking about tonight.
Heynckes, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 1998, said: "We hope Wembley turns out to be a better base than the Allianz was.
"Another city might bring us luck. Last year we were the better team. Perhaps this time the football gods will be with us."
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