Club World Cup final huge for Bayern - Guardiola

The Allianz Arena boss insisted that the Germans respect the quality of hosts Raja Casablanca, while attacker Thomas Muller is looking forward to the winter break

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola said his side are fired up to take on Raja Casablanca in the Club World Cup final on Saturday.

The Bundesliga side are the strong favourites heading into the clash, with the Moroccans aiming to become the first African side to win the prestigious title.

But, in front of their home crowd in Morocco, Guardiola is aware of the threat posed by a side who have beaten Monterrey, Auckland City and Copa Libertadores holders Atletico Mineiro to reach the final.

"After seeing how they played against the Mexican team and the Brazilian team we have realised why they are in the final," Guardiola told reporters. "They have very, very talented players and very good organisation in their defensive movement.

"I am really impressed at the level of quality in this team. My players know too. We have just talked about the quality of this team and when a team is able to eliminate Mexican and Brazilian teams it's not a lucky thing, it's because they deserve that.

"I'm convinced the players know how important the game is for the club, for themselves.

"Tomorrow the King of this country is coming to the game so that shows how important it is."

Bayern attacker Thomas Muller said the players understand the magnitude of the clash but admitted he already has one eye on the winter break after the exertions of the past year.

"We will fight hard because it's the last game and we should have enough power for it," the Germany international, 24, said.

"Afterwards we will have two weeks or so to rest and relax. We've had a very intense year, probably the most intense for some of our players in their careers.

"We have very nice and positive feelings we can look back on, but we also want to continue.

"We are also looking forward to the holidays, it will be good to breathe again and rest a lot. We hope the festive atmosphere will help us too."