Jupp Heynckes has warned his Bayern Munich players that they will have to be at their best in order to defeat Valencia on Wednesday.
The Germans, who lost last season’s final at their own stadium, are again one of the leading candidates to win the trophy this time around.
In facing Los Che this week in a repeat of the 2000-01 Final, in which current Valencia Coach Mauricio Pellegrino missed the decisive penalty in the shoot-out, his opposite number Heynckes is full of respect.
“Valencia will be a great opponent,” the Coach warned in his Press conference.
“We will have to be thorough and at our best in order to win. Valencia are a great team who I have great respect for.”
Javi Martinez could be handed a starting berth against his compatriots, following his €40m summer move from Athletic Bilbao.
“Javi gains confidence and continues to train and has already been accepted in by his teammates. He is a player of great character,” reflected Heynckes.
