Jurgen Klinsmann threatens axe for Bayern's strugglers

Jurgen Klinsmann has warned his Bayern Munich players they face the axe if they fail to produce an improved performance against Barcelona.

Bayern approach the first leg of their quarter-final against the Catalan club short of confidence following their 5-1 thrashing by Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga at the weekend.

Germany legend Klinsmann demanded "greater sacrifice and determination" from his side, before adding: "The players must know that there will be consequences at some point.

"But we are not afraid of Barcelona. The players know the whole world will be watching and they will want to show what they can do."

Barca, who beat Valladolid 1-0 at the weekend, are favourites to prevail at the Nou Camp yet coach Pep Guardiola was in cautious mood ahead of the arrival of Klinsmann's team, whose French playmaker Franck Ribery is believed to be a summer transfer target for the Primera Liga leaders.

Guardiola said: "League form has nothing to do with the Champions League but in my opinion Bayern's 5-1 defeat is the worst possible result for us. Bayern have won the European Cup four times and they will arrive with even greater motivation."