Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller believes Pep Guardiola’s first-hand knowledge of Barcelona will prove vital during the German club’s Champions League semi-final encounter with the La Liga giants.

Müller and his teammates are preparing for a trip to the Camp Nou on Wednesday and are fully aware of the massive effort it will take to get a positive result against Europe’s most in-form team.

Barcelona have won 36 of their last 40 games in all competitions, and 15 of their past 16 matches.

Despite the Catalan club’s recent form, Müller feels his manager’s familiarity with Barcelona and his relationship with its players will give Bayern Munich an advantage heading into Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg.

In four seasons in charge of Barcelona, Guardiola amassed 14 trophies including: three Spanish Super Cups, two Copa del Reys, three successive La Liga titles and two Champions League titles.

As a player, Guardiola made 263 appearances between 1991 and 2000, while earning six league titles and helping the club achieve its first-ever European Cup in 1992.

“We know their potential,” Müller said. “They have a great squad, covering Messi as a defender is not comfortable. But we are preparing well.

“The coach knows Barcelona better than anyone. He will give us the recipe in our hands, the rest we need to do as players.

“We know that Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world. They have knocked out two huge teams in the Champions League. But I am optimistic. I’m confident in us, we want to win there.

“We have pressure, regardless. If we are knocked out neither the fans or the press say ‘Well, it was Barcelona that’s that’. No, everyone has expectations. We are Bayern and we will not hide.”

Programming note: Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich will be shown LIVE on Wednesday at 2:45pm EST on FOX Sports 1 and FoxSoccer2Go.