Bayern Munich president Herbert Heiner is ‘assuming’ his side can handle former star man Robert Lewandowski when he lines up for Barcelona against them in midweek.
Lewandowski scored 344 goals for the Bundesliga side in just 375 games, which puts him second on their all-time goalscorers list behind Gerd Muller.
However, the relationship between club and player broke down in the summer with the Pole wanting to leave, and he eventually forced a move to Spanish giants Barcelona. He has started life in La Liga in typically prolific form, and he will be back at the Allianz Arena this week when Bayern Munich host Barcelona.
When asked if the Bayern Munich defence will be able to ‘contain’ Lewandowski, Hainer replied: “I assume so.
“We all want the fans to give him a warm welcome. He deserves it. Robert Lewandowski played with us for eight years, setting record after record and helping us win many titles.
“Football writes great stories and our quick reunion with Robert is one of them. Overall, however, we are always looking ahead. And with all due respect for Robert — our focus is on wanting to win against Barcelona. It will be great games for our fans.”
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Lewandowski has scored six goals already for Barcelona, including a Champions League hat-trick against Viktoria Plzen.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been pitched against Inter in an especially tough Champions League Group. Only two teams will advance from it, but Hainer is confident it won’t be Bayern who miss out.
“It’s not an easy group, there are two international heavyweights in Inter and Barcelona, and we won’t underestimate Viktoria Plzen,” he said. “But I am convinced that we will advance. We have a strong team.
“I have a lot of faith in this team, because Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidžić did an excellent job in the summer.”