Action for reaction!

Bayern’s Mueller urges team to use criticism after humiliating German Cup exit as motivation to seal Last 16 spot; Bundesliga champs face Benfica tonight

Action for reaction!

Bayern Munich’s star forward Thomas Mueller. Pic/AFP

Thomas Mueller says Bayern Munich must use the criticism from their shock German Cup disaster to help them secure a spot in the Champions League knockout phase by beating Benfica on Tuesday.

“When FC Bayern crashes out of the cup with a 0-5 defeat, it’s clear that one or two comments are made that are slightly below the belt,” said Mueller.

The midfielder scored and created three assists Saturday as Bayern romped to a 5-2 win at Union Berlin to stay top of the Bundesliga three days after their 0-5 cup thrashing at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

In Europe, Bayern are five points clear in Group E and a win over second-placed Benfica would guarantee a spot in the Last 16 of the Champions League.

Hurting headlines

Bayern were hurt by a string of negative headlines amid the fallout of their shock cup defeat which Mueller wants to use as extra motivation. “[The criticism] is okay with me, we’re not made of egg shells—you have to be able to take it sometimes, but we must not forget that we are still out of the cup,” said Mueller. “We didn’t just lose a game, but [are out of] a competition that means a lot to us. We have to deal with that accordingly,” he added.

The Germany international has scored six times in 16 appearances for Bayern this season, adding 11 assists.

Milestone for Lewandowski

Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, who netted twice in Berlin on Saturday, is set to make his 100th Champions League appearance. “We showed from the very first minute that we are here to win,” said Lewandowski.

Also Read: T20 World Cup: It all looks dubious for Virat Kohli and Co

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels