Bayern, who kick off their Group B fixtures against the Serbian champions in Munich on Wednesday, were knocked out by eventual winners Liverpool in the round of 16 last year, and Germany goalkeeper Neuer says his side are hungry to bounce back from that elimination. "We experienced how painful it was to get out so early. That elimination gave us a lot of motivation, we are hungry," said Bayern captain Neuer.
"We want to improve and go further than last season. We want at least to reach the semi-finals."
Last year's early elimination, which came following a goalless draw in England and a 3-1 second leg defeat at the Allianz Arena, put serious pressure on coach Niko Kovac, then in his first year as Bayern boss.
"Last year we had no luck in the draw. We lost to the future winners," Kovac said Tuesday.
"New year, new matches, new opportunity then. I am convinced that we will go further than last year."