Khaberni - Former CEO of Bayern Munich Karl-Heinz Rummenigge warned the team against complacency with the 2-1 win against Real Madrid, emphasizing that the quarter-finals of the Champions League have not yet been passed and that qualification for the semi-finals still needs to be secured in Munich.
Rummenigge told "DAZN" before the return match next Wednesday. We must not make the mistake of getting carried away by the euphoria at this moment. I sense some buzz and excessive enthusiasm currently, and frankly, I do not like it.
He added: "Real Madrid has already caused us enough trouble here in Munich. I would like to remind everyone of that."
Rummenigge recalled the memories from before the 2014 final when Bayern Munich lost narrowly by a clean goal in Madrid and were defeated by four goals at the Allianz Arena.
Real Madrid has won the last four knockout encounters against Bayern Munich in the continent's most important tournament. The last time Bayern qualified over Real was in the semi-final in 2012, which was also the last victory Bayern achieved at home against the Spanish club.
Rummenigge said: "We need to deliver another high-quality performance next Wednesday. We must be at the top of our game, play very smartly, and try to replicate what we did last Tuesday."
But Rummenigge also mentioned that Bayern, which won for the first time in 25 years in Madrid last Tuesday, has the potential to reach the final.
He said: "The atmosphere in the club reminds me of 2020, when we won the Champions League."
However, he stressed that "it won't be any easier by any means" if they qualify for the semifinals, where Bayern Munich might face the current champion Paris Saint-Germain or the English champion Liverpool.
He said: "One thing must be clarified.. winning the Champions League in its current form, with this depth of strong teams and high-level competition, is becoming increasingly difficult day by day."
Rummenigge joined in praising 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who made several crucial saves in Madrid, describing him as a "giant."
He said: "For me, Manuel Neuer is the most significant signing in the last 15 to 20 years," emphasizing that it was no coincidence "that we won everything in football with Manuel Neuer over these 15 years."
