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Diego Simeone describes AC Milan as a "European powerhouse" while opposite number Clarence Seedorf hopes to exploit "chinks in the armour" of Club Atlético de Madrid.
AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf knows his team are in for a tough game when they host Club Atlético de Madrid at San Siro tomorrow, but even though the Spanish side are flying in the Spanish Liga, the Dutch tactician has recognised "chinks in their armour we hope to exploit". Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone, meanwhile, feels at home as he returns to the ground of old club FC Internazionale Milano – yet knows his charges face the sternest of tests against a "European powerhouse".
Milan
Clarence Seedorf, Milan coach
The team are ready and motivated. We're going to face a side that are doing well. We're really motivated. It will be a great night, full of chances to reap the benefits of our hard work. The Champions League is special – it is a very important competition and we are happy to be representing Italy.
Atlético deserve respect. They are a strong team – well organised – but they have chinks in their armour that we hope to exploit. We will give our best and we will stick together. In terms of our attitude, we're on the right track, and of course we must continue to improve with humility. I can see that the boys are very determined.
I want to congratulate [Diego Simeone] on his work as a coach. I wish him the best, except for tomorrow and the next game. But I'm happy for him.
Weekend result
Friday: Milan 1-0 Bologna FC (Balotelli 86)
Abbiati; De Sciglio, Rami, Zaccardo, Constant; De Jong (Muntari 63), Montolivo; Honda (Pazzini 66), Kaká (Poli 80), Taarabt; Balotelli.
• Balotelli's superb long-range strike earned Milan victory. Balotelli has now scored four of the Rossoneri's seven goals in all competitions since Seedorf succeeded Massimiliano Allegri last month.
Team news
Robinho (thigh), Stephan El Shaarawy (foot), Valter Birsa (thigh) and Bryan Cristante (leg) are sidelined. Cristián Zapata is a doubt after sustaining a thigh injury in the warm-up for the Bologna game while Kaká suffered an ankle knock in the same match. Of the Brazilian, Seedorf said: "He is not yet at his best. We are monitoring his condition – we hope he can recover."
Atlético
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
History does count in these ties. Our opponents are a European powerhouse both as a team and as a club. However, Atlético also have a great tradition in cup competitions. Tomorrow the players will write a new chapter of history. It will be an open game, we can expect anything. It is difficult to make a prediction. We will be facing the best possible Milan side, with players who are very good on the counterattack and good at exploiting space.
I feel at home [at San Siro] but I will not play tomorrow. I lived some extraordinary years, made lots of friends here and have great memories of those days. It will be a fantastic clash for my players, especially with the quarter-finals at stake. Playing at San Siro is a great feeling for any player. I am focused on this game. We do not consider ourselves favourites, we have to show we are better than them on the pitch. We need to be focused and play with intensity. It will be a great game for the fans. Both teams will play attacking football, so it will be important to defend well and not concede.
Weekend result
Saturday: Atlético 3-0 Real Valladolid CF (Raúl García 3, Diego Costa 4, Godín 74)
Courtois; Juanfran, Alderweireld, Godín, Insúa; Koke (Sosa 79), Gabi, Mario Suárez, Arda (Villa 76); Raúl García (Diego 64), Diego Costa.
• Atlético had gone 277 minutes without a goal, their longest wait since December 2011/January 2012, before hitting two in 60 seconds against Real Valladolid.
Team news
Filipe Luís (adductor), Javi Manquillo (neck) and Tiago (knee and wrist) are out of contention for the first leg.
Match fact
• Milan have lost their last four knockout ties against Spanish opponents: to FC Barcelona (2011/12 quarter-finals, 2012/13 round of 16, 2005/06 semi-finals) and RC Deportivo La Coruña (2003/04 quarter-finals).
Bayern Munich overcame 10-man Arsenal 2-0 on a UEFA Champions League night of high drama and missed penalties at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsene Wenger's surprise decision to start Yaya Sanogo ahead of Olivier Giroud appeared inspired as the pace of the French youngster and recalled Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unsettled Europe's tightest defence in the opening stages, only for Mesut Ozil to spurn a ninth-minute spot-kick.
Wojciech Szczesny then brought down Arjen Robben eight minutes before the break at the other end and was sent off, although David Alaba's resulting penalty struck the post for the second missed spot-kick of the game.
Following that, Munich laid siege to the Arsenal goal and they finally got their reward via a strike from the magnificent Toni Kroos, before substitute Thomas Muller put them firmly in control of the tie with a late second.
Szczesny will miss the return match in Munich and may also find himself in hot water with UEFA after appearing to make an offensive gesture when leaving the field after being shown his red card.
Bayern had stunned Manchester City with early goals in both their group-stage games against Arsenal’s Premier League counterparts and Kroos almost repeated the trick when he sent a 25-yard effort arrowing for the top corner in the second minute.
Szczesny, though, made a fine fingertip save and Arsenal went on to pin back their illustrious opponents during the opening exchanges.
Manuel Neuer stopped Sanogo from giving Arsenal reward for their early endeavour as he produced an excellent reaction stop following Jack Wilshere's prodded pass towards the striker.
Wilshere then released Ozil and Jerome Boateng - who endured a particularly torrid start - felled his Germany international team-mate in the area. But Ozil failed to capitalise from 12 yards as Neuer pushed away a tame effort.
That disappointment checked Arsenal's momentum, although Neuer had to rush out and deny Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 24th minute when the winger got the better of Alaba on the end of Sanogo's raking pass.
Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs departed with a hamstring problem after half an hour and replacement Nacho Monreal did not get up to speed quickly enough.
Robben raced past a static Monreal onto a delightful chipped pass from Kroos in the 37th minute and Szczesny charged out and brought the Dutchman down.
A lengthy delay followed and, although Alaba sent replacement Lukasz Fabianski the wrong way, his penalty rattled the base of the post.
Predictably, Bayern began the second half firmly on the front foot as Thiago Alcantara narrowly failed to connect with a cross from the left and Kroos drilled a low shot at substitute goalkeeper Fabianski.
Laurent Koscielny then stabbed goalwards from Ozil's 51st-minute free-kick but it was a moment of brief respite and the visitors led three minutes later, Kroos curling into the top corner from 20 yards.
Fabianski then saved twice from Robben and Muller almost found a decisive touch to cap the latest rampage from Rafinha in the 66th minute.
By now the attacks were relentless and when Muller stooped to head a deserved second with two minutes left it was no more than Bayern deserved.
They could even have added a third when Kroos rattled the post as Bayern looked to pile on the misery.
Clarence Seedorf's coaching debut in the UEFA Champions League ended in defeat as Milan were beaten 1-0 by Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Milan looked on course for a well-deserved draw after having the better chances in the match, however Diego Costa struck his fifth goal in four Champions League games in the 83rd minute to win the round-of-16 first-leg clash.
The Serie A side had the better of the first half with excellent opportunities to open the scoring, but they lacked quality in front of goal as Andrea Poli and Kaka both missed good chances, while visiting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was in inspired form.
Atleti improved after the interval, but chances for either side were few and far between, with Christian Abbiati only called into action once in the whole game by the visitors until Costa powered a header beyond him in the closing stages.
The result gives Atleti a crucial away goal going into the second leg at the Vicente Calderon in three weeks' time.
Diego Simeone's side attacked from the off, though Abbiati was untested and Milan slowly worked their way back into the game with good spells of possession.
They created a number of good opportunities to break the deadlock but suffered from a lack of accuracy in their finishing, and found Courtois in fine form when they did get the ball on target.
The Belgian goalkeeper diverted Kaka’s effort onto the crossbar in the 15th minute, and three minutes later he produced an outstanding stop to tip Poli’s close-range header onto the post.
Kaka went close again for the hosts after latching onto a backheel from Mario Balotelli, but the Brazilian curled his effort just over the bar.
Clarence Seedorf will have been impressed with his side's performance but they failed to capitalise, Balotelli missing the last chance of the first half as his long-range effort bent wide of goal.
With the words of Simeone no doubt ringing in their ears, Atleti came out for the second half with renewed energy, but clear-cut chances were still not forthcoming.
After a quiet opening period, Costa saw an attempted acrobatic volley fly way over the bar and an effort from Raul Garcia went the same way with the midfielder's low effort smothered by Abbiati as chances of a goal looked to be running out.
However, with seven minutes to play, the veteran goalkeeper was unable to get anywhere near a header from Costa, the Brazilian pulling away from his marker to give the visitors victory.
Adil Rami went close to levelling for Milan with a powerful long-range effort but it flew wide of Courtois' right-hand post and Milan have it all to in Spain on March 11, having won on just one of their last 13 trips to La Liga sides.
The ex-Barcelona boss thinks the referee made the right call in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to the Bavarians and he was delighted to win at the third attempt at the Emirates
Pep Guardiola believes that the referee had no choice but to send off Wojciech Szczesny in Bayern Munich's 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday.
The Gunners started strongly but a missed Mesut Ozil penalty and the sending off of their goalkeeper took the wind firmly out of their sails.
David Alaba missed the resulting spot kick, but the outstanding Toni Kroos and substitute Thomas Muller scored in the second half to give die Roten a 2-0 triumph in the Champions League last-16 first leg.
"Arsenal were much, much better than us in the first 10-15 minutes but, after the mistake from Ozil, from that moment we played better," Guardiola told Sky Sports.
"After the red card it became our game. If it's the last man then the referee has to give a penalty and a red card."
The former Barcelona boss lamented the Gunners' defensive approach after they went a man down but was pleased with the way his team wore the hosts down - and cherished his first win at the Emirates Stadium at his third attempt as coach.
"It's difficult to play when you see nine players in their box," Guardiola added. "It was important that we controlled the situation. We played with patience, patience, patience, and in the end we got our goals.
"The last two times I came here with Barcelona we played amazing but we didn't win. So it's great to win here.
"[We must avoid what happened] last year when Bayern had a bad result in the second leg. We're going to play the second leg to win the game."
The Allianz Arena will host the second leg on March 11, when Arsenal attempt a repeat of last season's 2-0 victory in Munich.
The Gunners captain feels his side can win at the Allianz Arena, just like they did in the last 16 of last season's competition, and progress to the Champions League quarter-finals
Per Mertesacker insists there is no reason why Arsenal cannot repeat last season's victory in Munich and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, despite Wednesday’s demoralising first-leg defeat.
Arsenal were reduced to 10 men in the first half when Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for a foul on Arjen Robben and the holders made their numerical advantage count after the break with goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller.
But the Gunners won 2-0 in the Allianz Arena at this stage of the competition last season and, though they went out on away goals, Mertesacker feels his side are capable of repeating the result.
"I think we started really well," the 29-year-old told Sky Sports. "[We] deserved one goal at least. Afterwards we dropped more with the red card and it was even more difficult.
"We are looking forward to Munich. Why can’t we repeat that from last year?"
Mertesacker did hint, though, that tiredness may have caught up with the Gunners as they failed to stop Pep Guardiola's side from leaving north London with a 2-0 win.
"We played four games in the last two weeks [and] Bayern are a fantastic team [who] keep possession. We tried everything and would’ve deserved that first goal.
"We have to take that defeat [but] overall we are stronger than last year. There are a lot of ifs and buts but we must take the result.
"It’s a bit of blow for us, we must remind ourselves of last year. They underestimated us and we showed great spirit.
"We have to switch on Saturday in the Premier League and get three points and after that we have a break that we need desperately."
On the penalty that Arjen Robben won in the first half, the German said: "I don’t have a view of the red. There was contact I don’t know if it’s a red. The ball [is] far away from the goal but he touched him so for sure it’s a penalty."
The forward says Tuesday's game panned out as Atletico predicted and labelled Thibaut Courtois one of the best goalkeepers on the planet after the 1-0 win
Diego Costa says Atletico Madrid knew that they would beat AC Milan if they gave their all following the 1-0 win at San Siro.
The striker left it late to head in the winner for the Rojiblancos after the Rossoneri were denied numerous chances by wayward strikes or super saves from Thibaut Courtois.
Costa lauded the Belgian goalkeeper, who's spending his third season on loan at the Vicente Calderon and insisted that Diego Simeone's men will do their absolute utmost to finish the job in the second leg.
"Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he knows it," the Brazilian-born forward told Uefa.com.
"With a goalkeeper like him, we feel more secure. We know this is not finished yet, though. We have a good result but Milan are a great side and anything can happen.
"We’re not going to be over-confident. After our run of defeats people lost faith but we’ve shown how strong we are. We knew we’d have to withstand pressure and be decisive in our moment.
"Our best virtue is the bond of the team. We knew that with hard work we could get a result."
Atletico will face Clarence Seedorf's side in the second leg on March 11 at the Vicente Calderon.
The Rossoneri were beaten by a late Diego Costa goal, but the Dutchman believes his team will improve before March 11 and has faith they can turn the tie around
Clarence Seedorf refused to be down-hearted about AC Milan's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Wednesday's Champions League clash.
The Rossoneri were dominant for large periods of the game but were made to pay for their profligacy when Diego Costa headed home an 83rd winner in the first leg of the last 16 tie at San Siro.
Seedorf was pleased with the way they performed against La Liga opposition but not could help but rue his team's inability to score.
"I'm happy for what I've seen from the team: the first half was very good, but we missed the vital goal," the Dutchman told Mediaset Premium. "In the second half after the first 20 minutes we lost our legs a bit and eventually conceded to a great team like Atletico.
"I think it was a good game, but we conceded from a set-piece situation which can always happen. But this is only the first leg and there is a second to play in Spain.
"We are trying to recover on all fronts and to better manage the physical declines that occur in the game. However, I have seen an improvement from my players this evening."
Seedorf's men now must win at the Vicente Calderon, a daunting task for a side which have struggled away from home this season, but the Dutchman has faith in his team and thinks Milan will improve before the March 11 clash.
"There is still plenty of time before the return leg and I hope that the team can make some important steps forward in that time," he added. "We have confidence after this game, but a lot of things can still change in the coming weeks.
"Football is not basketball and there is no shame in losing 1-0. We had players who have not played together tonight and it is difficult to immediately find that fluency.
"I believe that over time the players will know better and will be able to grow and build more chances to score and with greater frequency."
Galliani calls on Milan to continue great Champions League tradition
Feb 19, 2014 3:49:00 PM
The chief executive spoke ahead of the last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid and said his club's European record always plays in their favour
Adriano Galliani has called on AC Milan to continue their Champions League tradition ahead of their crunch clash with Atletico Madrid.
The first leg of the last-16 tie will take place at San Siro on Wednesday evening and Gallaini hosted Atleti dignitaries at a lunch at the Giannino restaurant.
The Milan executive told Sky Sport 24: “We have a great Champions League tradition. In the last 13 years, we have been in it 11 times and always got past the group stages.
“Our coach Seedorf is very concentrated on the challenge. Since he was 18 he has been playing in the Champions League.
“Atletico Madrid will be tough opposition. They won their Champions League group and are joint top of La Liga.
“Tomorrow will be the 28th anniversary of Berlusconi taking over Milan. We have had some great teams. In 2007, when I saw the rain in the semi-final against Man Utd, I knew it would be a beautiful game. We hope to return to those levels.
“Will Kaka be captain against Atletico? He is certainly a great leader, but I don't know.”
Galliani also spoke of his confidence that Mario Balotelli will improve and reach the highest level of the game, while also praising another former Milan star, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored a double in Paris Saint-Germain's 4-0 thumping of Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
“Balotelli has everything in order to become a great champion. He is still very young and growing. He has all the physical and technical qualities to become a top player," he continued.
"I saw Ibrahimovic yesterday. He is extraordinary.”
The attacker was pleased to have a chance to impact on the game despite not being the starting XI and Manuel Neuer discussed how he saved Mesut Ozil's penalty
Thomas Muller says he is "not happy" with being left on the bench after a late cameo saw him score Bayern Munich's second goal in the 2-0 win over 10-man Arsenal on Wednesday.
Both sides missed penalties in the first half, with Mesut Ozil and David Alaba the guilty parties, while Gunners' keeper Wojciech Szcezny was sent off for bringing down Robben for the Bavarians' spot-kick.
Toni Kroos eventually broke the deadlock with a stunning curling effort from the edge of the box early in the second period and Muller then came off the bench to score a killer second and put his side firmly in control of the last 16 tie Champions League tie ahead of the second leg in Munich.
"I was not surprised at not starting," the Germany international, 24, told Sky. "Pep and I talk to each other so I knew what was coming.
"Of course I am not happy with it. But he knows and is aware that I am a total team player. A match lasts longer than 60 minutes and I am happy I could come in and help the team."
Manuel Neuer saved a penalty from Mesut Ozil in the opening 10 minutes to stem what was a strong Gunners start, but says his years at Schalke with the midfielder did not mean he knew where he would shoot.
"No, the most important thing is how he runs towards the ball," the Bayern goalkeeper said. "He is a player who decides very late where to shoot. So I waited long enough so I could save the ball even if it was placed in the middle."
The Bavarians will host Arsene Wenger's men at the Allianz Arena on March 11 in the return leg.
Top FIFA official backs under-fire referee Eriksson
Wed Feb 19, 2014 7:22pm GMT
(Reuters) - FIFA referees committee chairman Jim Boyce defended Jonas Eriksson on Wednesday after Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini criticised the official following the 2-0 home defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League.
Pellegrini questioned Eriksson's impartiality and accused the Swede of deciding the outcome of the last-16 first leg tie at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
The Chilean also said a referee from Sweden should not have been put in charge of such an important match and that he had "no control" of the game.
"My own personal opinion is I thought the referee had a good game," Boyce told the BBC.
"He is a very experienced referee who has been chosen for the 2014 World Cup because of excellent reports of his performances in Europe," added Boyce who is also vice-president of soccer's ruling body FIFA.
"It is absolute nonsense to say a referee should not be chosen because he comes from a smaller country. If the referee has proved himself at the top level it should not matter what country they come from."
Eriksson, who has refereed 22 Champions League ties and a total of 87 matches in UEFA competitions, awarded Barcelona a second-half penalty even though the first point of contact from Martin Demichelis on Lionel Messi seemed to occur outside the area.
The second leg at the Nou Camp is on March 12.
(Reporting by Mark Pangallo; editing by Tony Jimenez)
Arsenal to punish Szczesny for Bayern Munich gesture
Feb 21, 2014 4:13:00 PM
The Pole was captured by television cameras insulting the German champions' bench as he made his way from the field after being sent off for fouling Arjen Robben
Arsenal are set to discipline Wojciech Szczesny after he appeared to make an obscene gesture following his red card against Bayern Munich.
The goalkeeper was dismissed shortly before half-time in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at the Emirates Stadium, when he was adjudged to have denied Arjen Robben a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Szczesny will definitely miss the return leg at the Allianz Arena because of the red card, though he could face a lengthier ban if Uefa decide to review the incident.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was visibly frustrated with the decision, while Szczesny expressed his thoughts before walking down the tunnel.
And Wenger confirmed the Poland international will be sanctioned by the club.
"It was frustration but we are professionals, me included, and we have always to master our reactions," he said.
"Wojciech is part of that as well. We'll deal with that internally. We don't agree with that."
Szczesny is available for Arsenal's fixture with Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Chilean accused Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson of failing to be "impartial to both teams" in Manchester City's 2-0 loss to Barcelona and could now face a fine and ban
Uefa have formally charged Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini for his post-match comments aimed at Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson following the club's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona.
City were reduced to 10 men when Martin Demichelis conceded a penalty for a foul on Lionel Messi - a decision that angered the Chilean manager when replays showed it to be outside of the box - and Barcelona went on to triumph 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Pellegrini claimed Eriksson failed to be "impartial to both teams" over the course of the match and effectively "decided the game", while he also questioned the intelligence in appointing a Swedish referee for such a high-profile match.
Uefa responded on Thursday by announcing that they would investigate Pellegrini's comments and they have now formally charged the former Malaga boss.
A statement read: "Following an investigation by the Uefa disciplinary inspector, Uefa has today opened disciplinary proceedings against Manuel Luis Pellegrini concerning the press interviews given to media after the above-mentioned match.
"The Manchester City FC head coach is charged for violation of the general principles of conduct (Art.11 of the 2013 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations).
"The case will be dealt with by the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body on Friday 28 February."
Pellegrini is likely to face both a substantial touchline ban and fine.
Ozil apologises for Arsenal display in Bayern loss
By Jay Jaffa
Feb 20, 2014 3:48:00 PM
The €50 million German failed to capitalise on a penalty he won, stroking it tamely for Manuel Neuer to save, before the Gunners were reduced to 10 men and comfortably beaten 2-0
Mesut Ozil has issued an apology to Arsenal fans for his performance in the 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
The German playmaker missed a penalty he had won in the early stages before being used as an auxiliary defender on the left wing once Wojciech Szczesny had been red-carded, with the former Real Madrid man heavily criticised for a supposed lack of work rate.
Writing on his Facebook page, Ozil said: "The next morning doesn't feel better either. Sorry guys - it wasn't planned that way. Outnumbered it was really hard to win against this team."
Arsenal began brightly at the Emirates Stadium, drawing Manuel Neuer into a couple of important saves - including his parry from a tame Ozil penalty. From there, Pep Guardiola's side grew into the match and dominated once they had the man advantage.
Although David Alaba missed a penalty for the Germans, goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller secured a commanding lead ahead of the return leg in Munich.
As for Ozil, Wenger said: "I think it affected Mesut. He was still shaking his head five or 10 minutes after that. It had a huge impact on his performance."
Heynckes-Guardiola comparions are 'disrespectful', claims Del Bosque
By Joe Wright
Feb 22, 2014 10:29:00 AM
The Spain boss believes his compatriot has often been unfairly scrutinised this season after replacing the treble-winning coach at the Allianz Arena last summer
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes it is "disrespectful" to compare current Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola with predecessor Jupp Heynckes.
The Bavarians stormed to an historic treble of Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League titles under Heynckes last season before Guardiola replaced the German trainer during the summer of 2013.
The former Barcelona boss has already lifted the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup this term and is firmly on course to defend last season's trophies, yet question marks have still been raised as to whether the team has truly improved under Guardiola - something which Del Bosque feels is unfair.
"I find these comparisons disrespectful," he told Bild. "What does it bring them? Jupp and Pep are great coaches.
"The Bayern of Jupp won everything and they loved him. But what Pep can and could do in every game proves not to be enough. But I'm a fan of both of them."
Bayern secured a 2-0 win away to Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Wednesday and Del Bosque suggested only the three Spanish teams in the competition will be able to stop the Bavarians retaining their crown.
"They play wonderfully. The game in London was once again a tactical feat. The [Wojciech Szczesny] sending off of course dealt them the cards, but we saw the class within the team and of course the coach," he continued.
"[They are] a big favourite, of course. They are the main competitor for the three Spanish teams. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico [Madrid] are in good phases and are difficult for any opponent.
"But Bayern are a very, very great team, without a doubt. It's really fun to watch them."
Bayern are currently 16 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and have yet to lose a league this season, and Del Bosque freel admits that he thought last season's runners-up Borussia Dortmund would have put up more of a fight in the title race.
"You would perhaps have expected a bit more resistance from Borussia Dortmund. After they played such fantastic football in Europe last year, you would think that they would compete better in the league. But Bayern are just so hard to beat," he added.
Muller: No winter break's made life difficult for Ozil
Feb 23, 2014 1:48:00 PM
The Bayern Munich forward thinks his countryman may struggle to mentally recover from the Gunners' busy fixture schedule ahead of this summer's World Cup
Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller believes the lack of a winter break has made life difficult for Mesut Ozil at Arsenal.
Following his €50 million arrival from Real Madrid last summer, the Germany international has struggled to find consistent form and was rested by Arsene Wenger in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Sunderland.
Ozil issued an apology following Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, a game in which he missed a penalty and was subdued throughout, and Muller admits his countryman may find it difficult to mentally recover from his busy fixture schedule ahead of the World Cup.
“It’s very hard to be a professional footballer in England,” Muller is quoted as saying by the Mirror on Sunday.
“You have many more games than we do in Germany and no break in the winter.
“Normally the body can regenerate by the time of a tournament but the mental thing is harder to recover from.
“It’s not easy for Mesut but I know how good he can be and I hope he has many good games for Arsenal.”
Mourinho sweating over Mikel and David Luiz fitness
Feb 23, 2014 1:14:00 PM
The Chelsea duo were sidelined for Saturday's win over Everton and, with Nemanja Matic ineligible in the Champions League, the Portuguese boss is eager to get them fit again fast
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is hoping at least one of David Luiz or John Obi Mikel is fit to face Galatasaray on Wednesday.
The pair were both absent through injury for Saturday's dramatic 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton, which saw captain John Terry mark his return from a muscle strain with an injury-time winner.
With January midfield recruit Nemanja Matic ineligible for the Champions League, Mourinho is keen for his options not to be further depleted when Chelsea travel to Turkey for the first leg of Wednesday's last-16 tie.
"We have three days so let's see," Mourinho told reporters after the Everton game.
"With Mikel and David Luiz, I don't know if they can recover. It's important we have at least one of them because we don't have Matic for the Champions League."
Mourinho also offered an update on minor injuries to Oscar and Ramires; the latter was introduced as a half-time substitute against Everton after the former failed to shake off a pre-game complaint.
"It's not a dangerous one, just a painful one," said Chelsea's boss of Oscar's injury. "He said he could cope with the situation, clearly he couldn't.
"Ramires had a similar situation to Oscar, I tried to protect him and not play him but the game demanded I play him. Clearly, though, he could cope with the situation."
Moyes: Manchester United don't need to be the best to win Champions League
Feb 23, 2014 9:36:00 AM
The Scot, who saw his side beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday evening, is looking to repeat Liverpool's against-the-odds march towards glory in Istanbul in 2005
Manchester United manager David Moyes believes his side can win the Champions League this season despite their poor domestic form.
The reigning Premier League holders have put up a limp defence of their title, and are currently 15 points adrift of leaders Chelsea and scrapping just to finish in the top four.
With their chances of qualifying for Europe's premier club competition dwindling, United's best hope of retaining their Champions League status could be to win the tournament – with their march towards the final getting back underway against Olympiakos on Tuesday.
Moyes is hoping to take inspiration from Liverpool, who won the Champions League despite finishing just fifth domestically almost a decade ago, and says his side do not have to be the best to beat the best.
“It isn’t always the best teams that get to the final in Europe,” the United manager told reporters. “Liverpool in 2005 gives us hope, but in any cup competition you always have a chance.
“I knew it was going to be a hard competition before it started. Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG are all top clubs.”
Similarly to Liverpool, Chelsea, then managed by Roberto Di Matteo, finished only 6th in the Premier League but overcame the odds to win the Champions League in 2012, and Moyes knows anything can happen in football.
He added: “You see some of the games, where teams have hung on and hung on and somehow nicked a goal.”
