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Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said on Monday that shackling AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka would be the key to success in their Champions League quarter-final against the Italian giants.
Bayern face the six-time European champions at the San Siro on Tuesday before hosting the second leg in Munich on April 11.
Hitzfeld, who has revitalised Bayern since his return as coach in February following the sacking of Felix Magath, also made no secret of the fact he would one day like to sign Kaka.
"Kaka is one of the best midfielders in the world," Hitzfeld said.
"We will try and stop him tomorrow, but that is easier said than done. Then maybe one day in the future we will buy him."
Bayern have a score to settle with AC Milan after their elimination at the hands of the Italian side in the first knockout round of last season's competition.
But Hitzfeld insisted revenge was not his motivation for winning the tie.
"I don't think about the negative results of the past, I'm just looking at the present," he said.
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini insisted his side were capable of going all the way in the competition, despite struggling to shake off Scottish Premier League side in the previous round.
"It might seem like a miracle for us to win the trophy, but I base that prediction on results," he said.
"Barcelona and Inter Milan, two of the strongest teams, are out, and we have always done well in the Champions League."
European champions on four occasions, Bayern will be without goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn and midfielder Mark van Bommel for the first leg due to suspensions.
Despite the loss of two of their most influential players, morale is high in the Bayern camp after Saturday's 2-0 win over Bundesliga leaders Schalke 04 which left them six points off the summit.
Bayern face the six-time European champions at the San Siro on Tuesday before hosting the second leg in Munich on April 11.
Hitzfeld, who has revitalised Bayern since his return as coach in February following the sacking of Felix Magath, also made no secret of the fact he would one day like to sign Kaka.
"Kaka is one of the best midfielders in the world," Hitzfeld said.
"We will try and stop him tomorrow, but that is easier said than done. Then maybe one day in the future we will buy him."
Bayern have a score to settle with AC Milan after their elimination at the hands of the Italian side in the first knockout round of last season's competition.
But Hitzfeld insisted revenge was not his motivation for winning the tie.
"I don't think about the negative results of the past, I'm just looking at the present," he said.
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini insisted his side were capable of going all the way in the competition, despite struggling to shake off Scottish Premier League side in the previous round.
"It might seem like a miracle for us to win the trophy, but I base that prediction on results," he said.
"Barcelona and Inter Milan, two of the strongest teams, are out, and we have always done well in the Champions League."
European champions on four occasions, Bayern will be without goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn and midfielder Mark van Bommel for the first leg due to suspensions.
Despite the loss of two of their most influential players, morale is high in the Bayern camp after Saturday's 2-0 win over Bundesliga leaders Schalke 04 which left them six points off the summit.
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