Thomas Muller thinks his Bayern Munich team have nothing to fear from Chelsea, saying the Premier League side are not currently among Europe’s elite.
“You’d think you would have seen all the great European stadiums after more than 100 Champions League games, but I have never played at Stamford Bridge and I’m really looking forward it,” Muller told The Athletic.
“Chelsea have young, talented players and a quality team that can really hurt you. We need to be well-prepared for their particular strengths.
“But they’re not the best team in Europe right now and we don’t need to be afraid. I’m confident.”
One of Muller’s opponents in that 2012 final was current Blues manager Frank Lampard.
The former Germany international says he admired the Englishman as a player, and saw many similarities between their games.
“Not from that game but he was a super player,” Muller added when asked if he remembered playing against him in 2012.
“He played practical football. Technically very good, super shooting technique, super with long balls — a midfielder who could work and be dangerous in front of goal at the same time.
“He simply knew: these are the things you need to do to win football matches. He was a player I can really relate to.”