JAKARTA - Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said his team was worried about the veteran striker who defended Tigres, Andre-Pierre Gignac, ahead of the Club World Cup final.
European champions Bayern will face Central American representative Tigres from Mexico in the final played at Al Rayyan on Thursday, February 11.
Former France striker Gignac has scored six goals in his last four appearances, including a second-half penalty in Tigres' semifinal win over Palmeiras on Sunday.
"In Gignac, they have a striker who is sensational with his finishing in the penalty box," Neuer said at a press conference as quoted by Antara.
"He has experience. In my opinion, he is quick to adapt to the match and the type of football we play in Europe," he added.
If Bayern win, they will become the second club after Barcelona in 2009 to wipe out all six trophies that can be won in a span of 12 months.
The Bavarian team won the Champions League, German League, German Cup, European Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup in 2020.
Robert Lewandowski scored both goals as Bayern beat Egyptian side Al Ahly in the semi-final played on Monday.
But Bayern will be without top defender Jerome Boateng, who returned to Germany early for personal reasons.
Neuer also named two wing-backs from Tigres, Jesus Duenas and Luis Rodriguez, as players to watch out for.
"That goes without saying, we need to keep pace, we need to press the opponent. We need to (play) very fast," said Neuer.
On the other hand, no Mexican club has ever reached a Club World Cup final, and Brazilian club Corinthians became the last non-European team to win the trophy in 2012.
Tigres coach Ricardo Ferretti was a little irritated by the lack of respect his team received.
"It looks like you have to beat Palmeiras to be (respected). The focus is always on other teams (from Europe), for example," Ferretti said.
"We are not denying Bayern's abilities or achievements, but why do you only focus on one team? We are not afraid of any team. We will handle the match with respect, and try to implement our game," he concluded.
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