SOCCER:BAYERN MUNICH coach Louis van Gaal says his side's task in the Champions League against Inter Milan has been made more difficult since last week's announcement of his departure at the end of the season.

“I think (the Inter game) is more difficult now than before this decision because I am a relationship coach, the players have a social and emotional relationship with me and my staff,” he said yesterday ahead of tonight’s last 16 tie.

Bayern take a 1-0 lead into the home leg over the holders after a last-gasp victory in the San Siro last month and are fresh from a 6-0 rout of Hamburg SV on Saturday, after which many players said they felt “liberated”.

However, Van Gaal reiterated that last week’s news of the joint decision to terminate his contract, due to finish in 2012, was still on the players’ minds. “These emotional ties are now under greater pressure. A professional must always be focused on the game but it is not always easy. Everything has an influence on a player and their daily form and how they work with other players.”

The Dutchman, whose team are out of the running for all domestic titles after an erratic season and even risk missing out on the Champions League spots for next season, at least has the odds in his favour.

In order to advance, Inter, who beat Bayern 2-0 in last season’s final, must become only the second team in Champions League history to overturn a first-leg home defeat with a second leg away win.

According to Uefa statistics, the only team to have ever managed that was Ajax Amsterdam during the 1995/96 season, whose coach at the time was Van Gaal.

“The Uefa people told me so far only one team have managed it. So statistically we have the advantage,” said the 59-year-old, who looked relaxed and even enjoyed a joke with his player Mario Gomez.

With the striker speaking before his coach, Van Gaal slipped into the news conference room, sat next to reporters and even asked a question to Gomez, who has scored 28 goals in 36 games in all competitions this season.

“In what minute will you score,” asked Van Gaal. “What minute would you like me to score, coach?” replied Gomez, who was on target in the 90th minute to give Bayern a precious away win in the San Siro.

Inter defender Lucio and striker Diego Milito are doubtful for tonight’s tie.