Leonardo wary of Bayern vengeance

Inter coach Leonardo believes Bayern Munich will be gunning for revenge in today’s Champions League clash between the pair at the San Siro.

Inter claimed their first European title in 45 years when Jose Mourinho led them to a 2-0 victory over the Germans in the final in Madrid last May. But having finished second to Tottenham in the group stages, Inter were handed one of the toughest second round draws possible.

And Leonardo, who took over the club reins in late December after the dismissal of Mourinho’s successor Rafael Benitez, is expecting Louis van Gaal’s team to be highly motivated.

“That will still be playing on their minds,” said Leonardo about the Madrid final.

“It will still be fresh in the Bayern players’ memory that Inter ended years of Champions League frustration by winning it when they beat them.”

When the draw was made it was debatable as to which side would have been considered favourites as Inter were struggling both at home and in Europe. But Leonardo has revived their fortunes and 10 wins in his 12 matches in charge is testament to the Brazilian’s effect on the team.

Inter have also become an expansive and attacking team under Leonardo, scoring goals at will but also leaking a few. And that’s not likely to change today or in the second leg in Munich three weeks later.

“I don’t believe that our style of play will alter dramatically between the home match and the away clash but of course we respect our opponents and we will have a good look at them beforehand,” said Leonardo.

With Bayern being a Van Gaal team, there is no doubt the game should be a swashbuckling affair as the Germans certainly won’t defend. And if precedence is anything to go by, then Inter can expect Bayern to have a go at them.

Last season, Bayern reached the last game in the group stages at risk of crashing out and needing a win away to Juventus to snatch second place in their group. And despite going behind, Bayern produced a stunning display to run out 4-1 winners.

However, they have not always been at their best this season and although they won 3-1 away to Mainz at the weekend, Van Gaal is expecting more from his team.

“We gave the ball away unnecessarily far too often, we were very careless in the final quarter of the field,” he said.

“We know that, and we’ll improve. But overall, I’m very satisfied.”