Bayern goalie Neuer vows to show Messi he is boss

Barcelo, May 5: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said on Tuesday he will show FC Barcelo forward Lionel Messi who the “boss” is when the two teams lock horns in the Champions League semi-fil first leg match here on Wednesday.

It will be Neuer and Messi’s first meeting since Germany triumphed over Argenti in the World Cup fil in 2014.

“I have a lot of respect for Messi and for everything that he has achieved. He is very humble, but it’s crucial to show authority when we meet on the pitch and show him who’s boss. I did the same in the World Cup fil and this worked out pretty well,” Neuer was quoted as saying by Goal.com on Tuesday.

Neuer said he aims at a repeat performance of the World Cup fil and hopes to make good use of his considerable physical presence.

“We will be looking to do the same on Wednesday. It is vital to obtain a position of domince and instil respect. We have to make good use of our physical presence, our character and show a certain ruthlessness,” he said.

Bayern wrecked Barcelo 7-0 on aggregate in the Champions League semis when the two sides met two years ago. But Neuer believes the current Barcelo side are a better team than the previous one and it will be a tough encounter.

“The game against Barcelo is a fil before the fil. Our goal is to make it to the showpiece in Berlin. We domited Barcelo in both legs in the semi-fils two years ago, but the situation has changed,” he said.

“This time, they have no injuries and Messi is back to his best, while we are missing several key players,” he said referring to the uvailability of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and the doubtful Robert Lewandowski.

“We know that we face a tough task, but I am confident we will get our chances.” IANS