UEFA Champions League 2012/2013

[Pavlyuchenko]

Ricken: We have proved we can beat Madrid

By Henry Jackson
Apr 12, 2013 6:40:00 PM

The 36-year-old director of youth development believes the Germans have the quality in their ranks to knock out Jose Mourinho's side and also wants to make up for 1998 loss

Former Borussia Dortmund star Lars Ricken believes Jurgen Klopp's side can defeat Real Madrid when they meet in the Champions League semi-finals.

Ricken, who is now director of youth development at Dortmund, was speaking following Friday's draw, which also saw Bayern Munich paired with Barcelona in the other semi-final.

"It has been 15 years since we were in the semi-finals of the Champions League. It shows the development of the team," Ricken told Uefa.com.

"We have already proved we can beat Real Madrid this season, and that is why we are strongly hoping we can reach the final of the Champions League again.

"We also want some kind of revenge, because in 1998 we met them in the semi-finals and lost. Well, I wouldn't really say revenge, but we want to prove ourselves."

Coach Klopp echoed Ricken's sentiments, stating that Madrid are "the only team left in the competition we have already beaten this season".

Meanwhile, Madrid's director of football Emilio Butragueno spoke of his respect for Dortmund ahead of the mouth-watering clash.

"We have a lot of respect for Borussia Dortmund," he said.

"We played them twice but didn't manage to beat them. This time we hope it will be different as we want to be in the final – that's what we are all dreaming about.

"We know their potential and how difficult it will be to stop them. It's a great motivation for us all – there is one step left to reach the final that we at Madrid have been waiting for for several years."

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Rummenigge: Bayern out to avenge their 'Waterloo in Barcelona'

By Mark Doyle
Apr 12, 2013 12:14:00 PM

The Bavarians were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by the Blaugrana in the quarter-finals four years ago and the legendary striker is gunning for revenge

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes his side's pairing with Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League has presented them with the perfect opportunity to avenge their 'Waterloo' in Catalunya four years ago.

The Blaugrana cruised to a 5-1 aggregate win over the Germans when they met in the quarter-finals of the 2008-09 tournament.

Rummenigge has particularly painful memories of the first leg capitulation at Camp Nou, with Bayern going down 4-0 on the night, but he believes that there is now nothing to choose between the two clubs.

"I look forward to these games," the he told reporters after Friday's draw in Nyon.

"We meet the team who have been the most successful in recent years. It will be extremely tough and very tense.

"But Now our team have to show whether they can take on Barcelona. I do remember the last matches [in 2009]; we had our 'Waterloo' in Barcelona.

"Now is the chance to show, that Bayern have improved since 2009 and that we are level with the best team.

"It will also be an interesting comparison of the Bundesliga and the Primera Division. There is no real favourite in this tie."

Meanwhile, Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who played a key role in the quarter-final success over Juventus, was philosophical about his side being drawn against a side bidding for their third European title in five seasons.

"This is the Champions League semi-finals," he wrote on his Facebook page. "There are no weak opponents. Both matches against Barca will be absolute highlights."

Bayern will host Barcelona in the first leg travelling to Camp Nou for the second leg a week later.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Beckenbauer: Dortmund would have been easier than Barcelona

By Mark Doyle
Apr 13, 2013 7:49:00 AM

The former West Germany international feels the Bavarians would have had a better chance of reaching Wembley if they had been paired with their Bundesliga rivals

Franz Beckenbauer has admitted that he would have rather Bayern Munich had drawn Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the Champions League than Barcelona, "the world's best club side".

The Bavarians are the form side in Europe at the moment, having wrapped up their domestic title last weekend before completing a 4-0 aggregate demolition of Italian champions Juventus in Turin on Wednesday night.

However, Beckenbauer freely admits that he would have preferred to see Jupp Heynckes' men avoid Barca in Friday's draw for the final four of the Champions League, which has thrown up the possibility of an all-Germain tournament decider at Wembley with Dortmund having been paired with Real Madrid.

"My first reaction was from a Bayern perspective, that this was not a 'dream draw'," he told Bild. "I would have viewed Dortmund as an easier opponent than Barcelona, the world's best club team.

"But my second reaction was: these are two super draws for German football."

Beckenbauer, though, believes that both Bundesliga representatives will find it tough against La Liga's top two, even though Bayern were the most impressive performers in the quarter-finals.

"Our team has an incredible stability," the legendary sweeper acknowledged. "We have a very good chance because of the form that we are in.

"But there is [Lionel] Messi, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, who were born [to play] for one another."

Indeed, so wary is Beckenbauer of the threat posed by Barca's 'holy trinity' that he would consider enlisting the help of former Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola, who is set to succeed Jupp Heynckes as Bayern boss this summer.

"He knows the characteristics of the Barca players, the characteristics which are not seen in videos," the ex-West Germany international reasoned.

As for Dortmund, Beckenbauer feels it would be a mistake to read too much into the fact that Jurgen Klopp's troops took four points from their two meetings with Madrid in the group stages and that it will count for little in their semi-final tie.

However, he does feel that the recently dethroned Bundesliga champions will have been lifted by the dramatic way in which they saw off Malaga in the last eight.

"Dortmund against Real Madrid is the battle between the two national runner-up," the 67-year-old mused. "Such a crazy comeback against Malaga will have given the team a boost.

"But even though they were twice the better team against Real in the group stage, they should not rely on that.

"[Cristiano] Ronaldo is having an outstanding Champions League this season and has a perfect partner in [Mesut] Ozil."

Both semi-final first legs will be staged in Germany, with Bayern hosting Barcelona on April 23 and Dortmund welcoming Madrid to Signal Iduna Park the following night.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

​

 

[Greedo]

Antic: Bayern worst possible draw for Barcelona
The former Blaugrana boss has serious concerns over the Catalans' defence, fearing it could be completely pulled apart by "the form team" in Europe

 

[Hoeness]

Villa: Barcelona desperate for Champions League glory
The Spain attacker has set his sights on another trip to Wembley and has admitted that his goal against Manchester United two years ago was the most important of his career

Demichelis still haunted by Champions League nightmare
The defender has revealed it will be tough to recover from the dramatic defeat to Borussia Dortmund, but hopes the Liga side are remembered for their efforts this season

Schweinsteiger is a bull, says Javi Martinez
The 24-year-old has praised the Germany international and thanked him for helping to make his transition to life at the club a smooth one

Gundogan: Madrid are the best team left in the Champions League
The 22-year-old says he is relishing the prospect of facing a side who boast the world's finest coach and stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil

I reached new levels at Madrid - Sahin
The Dortmund midfielder feels his ability improved during his time in Spain despite his lack of playing time and insists he was right to return to Germany

Iniesta: Liga title more important than Champions League
The Barcelona midfielder believes securing a fourth league crown in five seasons would represent a greater accomplishment than continental success

Fabregas eager for 'historic' Clasico Champions League final
The Spaniard believes a Wembley meeting with Real Madrid would be a momentous occasion and says Tito Vilanova and Eric Abidal have inspired the squad

Van der Vaart: Bayern don't stand a chance against Barcelona
The creative midfielder has little faith in the freshly crowned Bundesliga champions as he feels they are simply not good enough to contain the Blaugrana

Madrid will up their game vs Dortmund, says Sahin
The midfielder, who is on an 18-month loan from the Blancos at Signal Iduna Park, also revealed his intention to become the best player in the Bundesliga once again

Hoeness urges Platini to kick teams out of Champions League
The Bayern Munich president has demanded that sides be punished if they breach new regulations

'Barcelona have a legacy that other teams lack' - Xavi
The 33-year-old midfielder believes that dominating opponents is important and is excited by the prospect of potentially playing the Champions League final at Wembley again

Javi Martinez urges Bayern focus in treble quest
The midfielder admits it is impossible to ignore all talk of silverware, but is determined not to be distracted

Thuram lavishes praise on PSG
The French World Cup and European Championship winner says the 2013 Champions League quarter-finalists are a very good team after their narrow defeat to Barcelona

Messi gets green light for Bayern-Barcelona
The Argentine has been struggling with a hamstring injury this month but looks set to feature against the Bavarians in the European last four first leg next Tuesday

Del Bosque: Everybody wants a Clasico final
The national team coach is dreaming of a Champions League final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which he feels it would be great for Spain

Barcelona will have wanted to avoid Bayern too - Hoeness
The Roten president is eagerly anticipating the clash against the Liga leaders and believes the Catalans will not feel too confident either

Ozil: Madrid not afraid of Dortmund
The Blancos star says his side's earlier loss to BVB this season will not affect them as they go in search of Champions League glory

Barcelona have no chance against Bayern, says Magath
The former Roten coach says his old club have asserted themselves as the best club in Europe ahead of the Blaugrana

Madrid & Dortmund are similar, says Marcelo
The Brazilian believes his side and their Champions League semi-final opponents adopt a similar approach to attacking

Guardiola will enjoy Barcelona-Bayern, says Zubizarreta
The Blaugrana sporting director believes the 42-year-old will "not suffer" as his old club go head to head with his next team in the Champions League

Messi & Barcelona are the world's best - Dante
The Bayern Munich defender has urged his team-mates to approach the Champions League tie against the Blaugrana with the right mentality

Pellegrini 'worried' about Malaga's future
Los Boquerones' boss has expressed his gratitude towards the fans after victory over Osasuna, but says he has concerns over the club still facing a European ban

Bayern will rule Europe under Guardiola, says Breitner
Die Roten's advisor predicts the club will be unstoppable once their new coach has imposed his methods on the team, anticipating further improvement in the Bavarians

Lahm: All thoughts turned towards Barcelona
The Bayern Munich captain has revealed the newly-crowned German champions are desperate to avenge the Champions League final defeat suffered at the hands of Chelsea last year

Di Stefano: I didn't care who Real Madrid drew
Los Blancos' legend claims he was disinterested by the draw for the Champions League semi-finals, remarking that he is satisfied with playing Borussia Dortmund

Madrid must restore Ramos to right-back over Essien against Dortmund
The Ghanaian was at fault in the 2-1 group loss at BVB, and with Alvaro Arbeloa suspended, the Spain defender looks set to revert to his old role

Heynckes: Guardiola wouldn't help Bayern
The 68-year-old feels the former Barcelona boss has too much respect for his old club to help his future employers in their upcoming clash

 

[Hoeness]

Chapuisat: Dortmund-Madrid tie is 50-50
The former BVB striker feels his former club's Champions League semi-final tie is poised on a knife-edge ahead of Wednesday's first leg

Lucescu backing Bayern-Dortmund Champions League final
The veteran coach has backed both German clubs to triumph over Real Madrid and Barcelona in their upcoming Champions League semi-finals

Di Maria warns of Dortmund danger
The 25-year-old winger believes the Liga giants will be once again subjected to an arduous 90 minutes in Germany in this week's Champions League semi-final first leg

Champions League glory is Dortmund's dream, says Santana
The defender is already fantasising about reaching the final at Wembley and says BVB will do everything in their power to make their desires a reality

Stielke predicts Bayern Munich-Real Madrid final
The former Germany midfielder is anticipating two titanic semi-finals but is backing Jupp Heynckes and Jose Mourinho to prevail from their last four ties

Xavi: Barcelona will hog the ball to beat Bayern
The Catalan midfielder says possession will be vital against the German champions in the Champions League and is aware of the threat the Bavarians pose in their current form

It is important that Messi faces Bayern, says Roura
The 45-year-old believes that while the Liga leaders can perform without their star man, the Argentine's return to fitness would hand them a huge boost

Muller targets 'crowning' Champions League success
The midfielder believes success in Europe would be the perfect end to a wonderful campaign

Lewandowski fit to face Real Madrid
The striker picked up a knock during his side's Bundesliga win on Saturday, but has now assured fans he will be ready for Wednesday's European encounter

Khedira: La Decima is everything
The Germany international says he now understands just how important conquering Europe is for the club and their supporters

Zubizarreta: Barcelona can cope without Messi
The former goalkeeper is confident the Blaugrana have enough strength in depth to adapt in the absence of their Argentine talisman

'We'd be fools to think Messi does not matter' - Pique
The defender believes the importance of his Argentine team-mate cannot be underestimated

Javi Martinez: Barcelona not just about Messi
The Spanish midfielder has warned his team-mates there is more to the Catalans than just the Argentine attacker and believes Bayern have a 50 per cent chance of progression

We hope Barcelona are without Messi, says Lahm
The Germany international hopes the Argentina star will not feature on Tuesday and believes the Catalans are favourites

Pique: We ended German football's dominance
The towering defender says Spanish football has taken Germany's place as the most successful following Barca and Spain's successes

Kuipers to referee Borussia Dortmund-Real Madrid
The Dutchman has been awarded Wednesday's match at Signal Iduna Park after his fine performance in the quarter-final encounter between Barcelona and PSG

Bayern have several players who can make the difference, says Busquets
The Spain international has warned against Bayern's individual quality and has also taken the time to praise Javi Martinez ahead of this week's first leg

Schweinsteiger fit to face Barcelona
The influential midfielder has shaken off an ankle problem in time to take part in the Champions League semi-final first leg against the Catalans this week

'Magical' Messi boosts Barcelona, admits Alves
The Brazil international believes the return of the Blaugrana star can aid the club in their pursuit of Liga and Champions League success this season

Pepe hoping for luck to favour Madrid against Dortmund
The 29-year-old was apart of the Blancos side who were eliminatedby Bayern Munich last season and he is hoping he and his team-mates can go "full-throttle" for the win on Wednesday

Hummels: Dortmund must improve or face Madrid defeat
The defender thinks that the side must up their game if they want to beat Jose Mourinho's men, though Mainz goalkeeper Julian Baumgartlinger believes BVB can reach the final

Varane: Dortmund can scupper Decima dream
The 19-year-old defender insists he will be in form against BVB this week and reveals the Champions League competition evokes memories of Zinedine Zidane's heroics in 2002

Van Bommel: Second leg at home could be decisive for Barcelona against Bayern
The former Netherlands international believes the last-four tie will be decided at Camp Nou, which, he insists, should work in favour of the Blaugrana

Fabregas: Abidal is an example for the whole world
The Spain international has nothing but admiration for his Blaugrana team-mate, who is back playing again after 14 months out

Javi Martinez: Everything about Barcelona worries me
The Spain international says the Catalans are "a very balanced outfit and have the best player in the world" in Argentine attacker Lionel Messi

Ribery: Messi is in a class of his own
The France international says the "extraordinary" Argentine is peerless while revealing he is flattered by alleged interest from PSG

Messi in Barcelona squad for Bayern Munich
The Argentine has not featured for the Catalan giants since making his return from a hamstring strain in the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain on April 10

Kassai to referee Bayern-Barcelona clash
Hungarian official Viktor Kassai will take charge of Tuesday's Champions League encounter at the Allianz Arena - his second Barca clash of this year's tournament

Xavi: Small details will decide 'brutal' Bayern clash
The Barcelona midfielder expects an extremely stern test against a side "in stratospheric form" but believes the tie is on a knife-edge

Every Real Madrid player would fit in at Dortmund - Watzke
The Borussia Dortmund CEO hails the quality of his side's Champions League opponents, though admits that Cristiano Ronaldo would need to work harder defensively at his club

Casemiro revels in 'dream' Real Madrid debut
The starlet put in a solid shift for the senior side against Betis and stated his desire to continue featuring for los Blancos

Karanka: Injuries were the worst part of the game
The Spaniard rued the enforced substitutions of several players, who will be in a race against time to be fit for the club's upcoming Champions League fixture

Heynckes: Bayern have no B team, only an A team
The German coach rested some of his star men for the trip to the AWD Arena but they still racked up another convincing win, thus underlining their incredible strength in depth

Joselu backs Klopp for Real Madrid post
The Hoffenheim attacker feels the Dortmund boss would be ideal for los Blancos and believes the Liga side are favourites in the Champions League semi-final

Hummels: Possession is key against Real Madrid
The Germany international is eagerly anticipating a tough semi-final tie against the Spanish giants and is full of respect for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko

Xavi is the best midfielder in the world, says Javi Martinez
The former Athletic Bilbao star is eagerly anticipating the Champions League tie versus Barcelona and has earmarked his compatriot as one of the major threats

Van Bommel: Barcelona or Bayern will win the Champions League
The 35-year-old former Blaugrana and FCB midfielder believes his ex-employers are the two strongest sides left in Europe's premier club competition this season

 

[Hoeness]

'It would be wrong to ask Pep for advice' - Sammer

Apr 18, 2013 5:30:00 PM

The Bayern Munich sporting director insists they will not disrespect coach Jupp Heynckes by asking for the Spaniard's tips on how to beat Barcelona

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer insists it would be disrespectful to ask Pep Guardiola for advice on how to beat Barcelona.

With the former Blaugrana boss preparing to take charge of the Bundesliga champions this summer, there has been speculation that the club could be tempted to turn to the 42-year-old as they look to beat his old club in the Champions League semi-finals.

Sammer, however, feels it would be injust to put Guardiola in such a position, while insisting current coach Jupp Heynckes' knowledge of Spanish football is already exemplary.

"This situation reminds us that football is about respect. Jupp Heynckes is our coach, and even though he was there a few years ago, he knows a lot about Spanish football," he told Spox.

"Respect also to Guardiola. He has Barcelona in his heart. It would be a problem for him. We will not give him the moral problem of disclosing information about his great love."

Sammer went on to hail the return of Eric Abidal and Tito Vilanova ahead of the tie, and stressed that his side are progressing well as they look to replace Barca as the "model" of football.

"Despite the competition, we are very pleased as a club to see Abidal is back in the squad, and that Vilanova is back as coach. We wish them all the best and hope they are at full health," he continued.

"They are a very well structured club. From the first team through to the youth players, they have dominated European football for many years. They were the model of football.

"The way they have developed and the way they play football, and how successful they were, will not be wiped out in two games. But we are on the right track."

Finally, Sammer moved to play down president Uli Hoeness' concerns that the Bundesliga could become a two-horse race similar to La Liga, claiming that Bayern's success is all the matters to him.

"Uli thinks about solidarity, I think about success," he added to ARD. "I'm a ruthless egoist who wants to win everything.

 

[Hoeness]

Mourinho: Klopp talks too much

By Henry Jackson
Apr 19, 2013 4:54:00 PM

The Portuguese has begun his customary mind games and insists he will only talk about their upcoming European encounter on the eve of the clash

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says that Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp talks too much, ahead of the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Both sides have already faced each other twice in this season's competition, with BVB winning 2-1 at home in the group stages, before drawing 2-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And with Klopp enjoying the superior head-to-head record between the pair on the back of those results, Mourinho has questioned why the German coach has opted to discuss their next European encounter so much in the build-up to the game.

"I have said a little bit about Dortmund and that's enough. Since the day of the draw, Klopp talks every day," he told reporters.

"I will talk about Dortmund this Tuesday. We have been working on this match for the past two weeks."

Klopp recently attempted some possible mind games of his own by suggesting that Mourinho's trip to watch Dortmund defeat Greuther Furth 6-1 last weekend was a pointless exercise.

“Mourinho will return home with reports that will be useless to him in two weeks time," he added.

“I don't know if Madrid will be afraid of us after what happened in the group stage.

"He left after the 5-0 and didn't see our weaknesses. But if he wanted to see whether [Mario] Gotze can play on the left, he can call me."

The first leg takes place in Dortmund on Wednesday, with the return fixture at the Bernabeu on April 30.

 

[Hoeness]

If Mourinho says I talk too much, I'll shut up then, jokes Klopp

By Mark Doyle
Apr 20, 2013 7:55:00 PM

The Portuguese coach has stated that the German tactician has been speaking to the media on a daily basis, while he was been keeping quiet

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has jokingly vowed to "shut up" in response to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's claim that he has not stopped talking since their two sides were drawn against one another in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Portuguese stated that Klopp had been speaking to the media on a daily basis while he, by contrast, had been maintaining a dignified silence ahead of Wednesday night's first-leg meeting at Signal Iduna Park.

"Mourinho says I talk a lot?" he mused after Dortmund's 2-0 win over Mainz on Saturday. "That's what one of my teachers used to say. I'll shut up, then!"

Klopp, though, was more than happy to discuss a victory that guaranteed his side a place in next season's Champions League.

The recently dethroned Bundesliga champions had not been at their brilliant best against Mainz, but an early effort from Marco Reus and a late goal from Robert Lewandowski secured the hosts the most straightforward of victories.

"We have rarely found the game as easy as we have today," Klopp was quoted as saying by his club's official website.

"Our first attack brought us the lead and for the next 20 or 25 minutes, we were really great. Then, we lost our way a bit, and Mainz were somewhat stronger. We were lucky that they did not equalise.

"But we have exprienced games like this before so we adjusted a bit during the break and then played an intense second half to win the game.

"Also, nobody got injured, so it's been a perfect day for us."

Defender Marcel Schmelzer was just as enthused by the win, primarily because it ensured Dortmund will be back in the Champions League next season, irrespective of the outcome of their semi-final showdown with Madrid.

"Yes, that is very important," he told RuhrNachrichten.de. "We have always stressed that this was our primary goal for the season.

"Also, now we don't have to read questions about how we're supposed to beat Madrid when we cannot even focus properly on the league.

"It was always very important to us that we focused fully on the game immediately in front of us, and we managed that today."

Dortmund defeated Madrid when the two sides met at Signal Iduna Park in this season's group stages, before drawing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

[Hoeness]

Klopp: We cannot afford to give Ronaldo any space

By Stefan Coerts
Apr 19, 2013 9:44:00 AM

The Borussia Dortmund boss has singled out the Portugal captain as Real Madrid's pre-eminent attacking threat and has again ruled out a move to the Blancos

Jurgen Klopp has stressed that Borussia Dortmund cannot afford to give Cristiano Ronaldo any space if they are to beat Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Both sides previously met in the group stages of the competition, with Dortmund winning the home game 2-1 before drawing 2-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu, yet Klopp expects to face a very different Madrid next week - and is especially wary of the tournament's top scorer.

"Madrid are a very talented side that look for possession and to push forward. We can't leave Cristiano alone and we also have to attack," Klopp told AS.

"Madrid will be better informed about how to play against us. We're not at that stage yet. We'll have to wait a little while to find a solution.

"It's a fact that the team we played in the group stages is a very different proposition from the one we'll face in the semi-finals. In the group stages Marcelo was missing and there were attacking players out injured.

"Madrid will be stronger, but so will we. We're going to enjoy ourselves, but play hard and the simple fact that we're in the semi-finals is something very special for us."

The BVB coach then went on to discuss his future and stressed once more that he has no intention to leave Dortmund for Real Madrid.

"I'm going to be the coach of Borussia Dortmund next season unless something drastic happens and they get rid of me. Next year I will be in charge of Borussia; nothing more to say.

"If my name is being mentioned in Madrid as the possible successor to Mou, if he is leaving, then it's an honour. Next year I will be at Borussia, for sure."

The 45-year-old has a contract with Dortmund until June 2016.

 

[Hoeness]

'We won't change our style for Real Madrid' - Klopp

By Chris Kvesa
Apr 22, 2013 2:05:00 PM

The 45-year-old has told his team to play their normal game ahead of their European meeting with the reigning Liga champions

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says his side will try to enforce their own style on Real Madrid in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

BVB defeated Jose Mourinho's men 2-1 in the group stage, before drawing 2-2 in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And despite Madrid enjoying an improvement in form since the turn of the year, Klopp does not intend on adopting a different tactical approach going into the match.

"Real Madrid will not make us change our style of play," the former Mainz boss told Marca, adding: "We shall be going out there to enjoy ourselves.

"We have the memory of what happened in the first stage, but things have changed since then. Real Madrid looks to be stronger to me now.

"I don't try to copy anybody, I'm Klopp. I'm at a great club, I have fantastic players and a fantastic coaching team.

The 45-year-old feels his team are considered the underdogs out of the remaining four sides left in the competition, but is hopeful they can replicate Chelsea's success last season.

"In these semi-finals there are three favourites - Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Just like last year. We are the fourth team in this semi-final, like Chelsea last season. And who won? Chelsea. I rest my case.

"For us, to win the Champions League would be fabulous, something incredible, something historic. That's the way I try to motivate the boys."

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Javi Martinez: Everything about Barcelona worries me

By Mark Doyle
Apr 21, 2013 3:50:00 PM

The Spain international says the Catalans are "a very balanced outfit and have the best player in the world" in Argentine attacker Lionel Messi

Javi Martinez insists while Bayern Munich could not be in better shape going into their Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona, there is not a single thing about the Catalans' star-studded line-up that does not worry him.

The Bavarians are widely regarded as the form side in world football, having wrapped up the Bundesliga title with a record six rounds to spare and stormed into the last four of the game's premier club tournament with a resounding 4-0 aggregate win over Italian champions Juventus.

However, Martinez, speaking ahead of Tuesday's first-leg clash with Barca at the Allianz Arena, is extremely wary of the threat posed by the Blaugrana to Bayern's hopes of atoning for defeat by Chelsea in last year's Champions League final.

"Unfortunately, everything about them worries me," the Spain international is quoted as saying by AS. "They're a very balanced outfit and they have the best player in the world.

"And even if [Lionel] Messi has a bad day, he has plenty of team-mates who can do a very good job, such as Pedro, Alexis [Sanchez], [David] Villa, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, etc."

Indeed, Martinez believes there is virtually nothing to choose between these two genuine European superpowers.

"I think it's the perfect moment for us to take on Barca," the former Athletic Bilbao man claimed. "The problem is that they're also in good form!"

Still, Martinez is looking forward to the challenge, particularly from a personal perspective, as he is keen to pit his wits against the player he believes to be the best in his position.

"Sergio Busquets is the key cog in the Barca machine," he stated. "There are other players who grab the headlines, but if this Barca side has won so many titles it's thanks to him.

"He always holds his position. He brings other players to life, such as Xavi or Iniesta. They can join in the attack knowing that he's got them covered."

Martinez, who can also play in defence, joined Bayern from Bilbao last summer for a reported €40 million.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

I don't need to speak to Guardiola, says Heynckes

By Stefan Coerts
Apr 22, 2013 1:43:00 PM

The 67-year-old is in confident mood ahead of his side's Champions League semi-final and dismissed the need to seek advice from his future successor

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has insisted he knows Barcelona "very well" ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final and says he will not be speaking to former Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola.

The former Camp Nou chief will take charge at the Bavarian club next season after a one-year sabbatical, and though some initially thought Heynckes may tap into the Spaniard's wealth of knowledge on the Liga leaders, the 67-year-old believes he has all the knowledge he needs.

"I have respect for Josep Guardiola and we have a very good relationship. I don't need any information from him, though, because I know Spanish football and Barcelona very well," he told a press conference.

"Barcelona have dominated European football over the past few years. They have a philosophy which is unique to them."

Heynckes led Real Madrid to the European trophy in 1998, and he believes that today's football is more focused on teamwork.

"The team is more important than the individual but there are always players that make the difference. Barca have Messi, for example, but their collective play is what makes them so good.

Accordingly, the 67-year-old pointed out that working as a collective is also what makes die Roten exceptionally strong this term.

He added: "If I were to sum up the strength of Bayern this season in one word, I would say 'teamwork'.

"We play the most modern football in the club's history. There are so many different things we can do to prepare but spontaneity and intuition are very important in football."

"Being fit and strong is one thing but we bring together physical prowess with quality football. We are not just a physical side. We work together as a team, we play the most modern football of all time."

La Liga star Lionel Messi has struggled with injury recently, which emerged doubts on wether he will appear, but the Bayern trainer expects the Argentine to join the action on Tuesday.

"As far as I know Messi has been training normally and will start the game. I know that he has had some muscular problems, but I don't know if it's any more serious than that."

Due to a yellow lock conceded in the quarter-finals against Juventus, first-choice attacker Mario Mandzukic is ruled out for Tuesday, but Heynckes remained tight-lipped on wether Mario Gomez or Claudio Pizarro will replace the Croatian.

"It's a great thing to have two players of such class in my team. One of them is the top foreign scorer in the Bundesliga, the other has been the best German player and last year he scored 12 goals.

"I'm lucky to have both, I'll speak to them and then make the decision."

Bayern lock horns with the Catalan giants on April 23 at the Allianz Arena.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

UEFA Champions League Preview: Barcelona v Bayern Munich

22 April 2013

Barcelona are set to welcome back Lionel Messi for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final meeting with Bayern Munich.

The Spanish giants are expected to be bolstered by the return of playmaker Messi, who has missed their last two La Liga fixtures, against Real Zaragoza and Levante, with a hamstring injury.

Messi suffered the injury in the first half of Barca's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentinian sat out their next fixture against Mallorca but came off the bench to help them through to the last four of Europe's premier club competition, courtesy of a 3-3 win on away goals.

After two weeks on the sidelines, Messi is likely to start in Munich on Tuesday, which will be a timely boost for a Barcelona side who have only won two of their previous seven UEFA Champions League games away from home.

Bayern, meanwhile, head into the match full of confidence following a recent run of results that has seen them win eight games in succession, scoring an incredible 32 goals in the process.

Jupp Heynckes' men also recorded a resounding 4-0 aggregate victory over Italian champions Juventus to reach the final four.

Despite Bayern's impeccable form, Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez is still wary of a star-studded Barcelona outfit.

"Unfortunately, everything about them worries me," Martinez told AS. "They're a very balanced outfit and they have the best player in the world.

"And even if (Lionel) Messi has a bad day, he has plenty of team-mates who can do a very good job, such as Pedro, Alexis (Sanchez), (David) Villa, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta, etc."

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

UEFA Champions League Preview: Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund

22 April 2013

Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp insists that his team is ready and raring to go for their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Dortmund scraped through to the last four of Europe's most prestigious club competition after scoring two late goals to beat Malaga 3-2 and they were far from at their best against Mainz at the weekend, despite running out 2-0 winners.

But Klopp says that Dortmund, who have failed to defend their Bundesliga title this season, are ready for the first leg at the Westfalenstadion.

"We're playing against the biggest club in the world, we will be ready for Real and give it everything we have," said Klopp.

"When you're already in the semi-finals, of course you just want to get to the final."

The Germans have already faced Real twice this season in the group stages, emerging victorious 2-1 at home before playing out a 2-2 stalemate in Madrid.

Dortmund should take confidence from their previous encounters, while their unbeaten record in the competition this season is another welcome boost.

However, defender Mats Hummels has warned his team-mates they must still improve.

"Over time, we got more passive and have made simple mistakes that should not happen to us on Wednesday, otherwise we'll live to regret it," Hummels said.

As for Real, they have experienced a similar campaign to Dortmund, with the Spaniards on the verge of handing their La Liga crown to rivals Barcelona, who are 13 points clear at the summit with six games remaining.

With league glory seemingly out of the question, Jose Mourinho and his team have turned their attention to Champions League success.

Real claimed a 6-2 aggregate victory over Galatasaray in the quarter-finals and defender Pepe is hoping for some luck to fall the way of his team after losing to Bayern Munich at the same stage last year.

"Wednesday's game is incredibly important for us - everybody in the squad is conscious of that," said Pepe.

"We must go into the game at full throttle but not be over hasty. We should try to remain composed because we have the return leg at home.

"Failure is a very strong word to use should we not win this semi-final. We will be going out to win and hopefully with that extra bit of luck which we didn't have at this stage last year."

 

[Hoeness]

Dortmund must keep clean sheet against Madrid, says Hummels
The Germany international has urged BVB to keep things tight at the back and believes anything is possible for the Bundesliga side

Mario Gomez can make or break his Bayern career against Barcelona
The striker faces the most important 90 minutes of his career with the Bavarians, knowing Tuesday's clash with Barcelona is key to his future

Piszczek: There's only so much you can do against Ronaldo
The full-back has warned that the Portuguese could cause his side plenty of trouble and believes a goalless draw at home would be a good result

 

[Hoeness]

Messi: Bayern even stronger than last year

By Stefan Coerts
Apr 23, 2013 7:52:00 AM

The Argentine is aware of the Bundesliga champions' strength and is relishing the prospect of a potential final against Real Madrid

Lionel Messi has stressed that Barcelona must be on top of their game against Bayern Munich if they are to reach the Champions League final at Wembley.

The Argentine attacker feels Bayern have been in impressive form so far in the 2012-13 campaign and believes they are even better than last year, when they lost the final to Chelsea on penalties.

"Any opponent in these semi-finals was going to be tough, but Bayern this year are very, very good. They have been playing at a very high level and scoring a lot of goals," Messi told The Times of India.

"After what happened at the end of 2012, when they lost the final at their own ground to Chelsea, I think they have even more desire to go for the title this time. And Bayern are stronger this year than last in my opinion."

The prolific attacker then went on to discuss a potential final against Real Madrid and admitted that a Clasico at Wembley would be something special.

"Right now, we do not speak of the final but only about Bayern," he said.

"And if we get to the final we do not care who we play as long as we are there again.

"But it is indisputable that a final at Wembley against Real Madrid would be a special game for many things and many people. If it is Real in the final it will be a great show, that’s for sure."

It is unsure as of yet whether Messi will be fit enough to start in Tuesday evening's first leg at the Allianz Arena. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

 

[Hoeness]

I don't need Pep's advice! Bayern boss Heynckes not seeking help from Guardiola ahead of Barcelona clash

By ANGUS PATERSON PUBLISHED: 17:47 GMT, 22 April 2013 | UPDATED: 17:47 GMT, 22 April 2013
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Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has not sought any advice from former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola ahead of his side’s Champions League semi-final tie against the Catalans on Tuesday night. Guardiola will be replacing Heynckes in the Bayern dugout this summer and his history as Barcelona coach, with whom he won the Champions League twice, could have given Heynckes some useful insights into tomorrow night’s opponents at the Allianz Arena. However, Heynckes, while displaying his respect for his successor, reiterated he does not need any help in preparing the for biggest game of his side’s season so far.

I don't need him: Jupp Heynckes has not sought advice from former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola

In the air: Guardiola won two Champions Leagues with Barca and will take over as Bayern boss this year

'I admire Pep Guardiola, but I don’t need any advice from other coaches,' he said at the pre-match press conference in Munich today. 'I know my team better than anybody and I also know a lot about Spanish football and Barcelona. There has been no kind of contact (with Guardiola) at all.'Bayern are on the brink of making it to their third final in four years in arguably one of the greatest periods in the German club’s history.

Preparation: Bayern head coach Jupp Heynckes took charge of a training session on Monday

Poised: Bastian Schweinsteiger waits for Bayern's training session to begin

Relaxed: Franck Ribery shares a joke with team-mate Dante

Safe hands: Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer catches a ball during training

Having sealed the Bundesliga title sooner than any other club they have skittled numerous domestic records, while the manner of their 6-1 victory at Hannover last Saturday shows they are not done yet.
Furthermore, they have reached the final of the DFB-Pokal and are therefore on course for an historic treble. It could nevertheless turn out to be a disappointing season if Bayern fail to lift Europe’s ultimate club trophy, although a repeat of last season’s final defeat to Chelsea is no longer in the memory.'Bayern are currently playing the most modern, contemporary football in the history of this club,' added Heynckes, who has yet to confirm whether or not he will be retiring when his contract expires at the end of June.

Change of colours: Schweinsteiger smiles as he puts on a bib for a training drill

Speaking his mind: Bayern's captain Philipp Lahm addresses the media on Monday

Balance: Schweinsteiger, Claudio Pizarro and Arjen Robben see the funny side of a training exercise

'We will not be wasting any thoughts on the failure against Chelsea last year. We have a plan for the game tomorrow night.'That plan includes how to deal with Lionel Messi, who Heynckes fully expects to start for the Blaugrana, despite missing out at the weekend.'I expect he will be able to play and it is not something which is causing me a headache,' he added. Barca are about more than just Messi.'What is still causing Heynckes a headache is his own team selection with two big doubts, one at the back and one in attack. Daniel van Buyten and Jerome Boateng are vying for one berth alongside Dante, with the former likely to be preferred given his experience.

Prize: Robben's Bayern side will lock horns with Barcelona with a place in the Wembley final up for grabs

Agile: Ribery performs a training drill during the session on Monday

Up front, with top-scorer Mario Mandzukic suspended, Mario Gomez or Claudio Pizarro will lead the line. 'That decision has not been taken yet,' revealed Heynckes. 'I want to talk to both players first and then make up my mind.'Both Pizarro and Gomez scored twice at the weekend while the Germany international grabbed a hat-trick in the 6-1 cup win over Wolfsburg last week, so the Bayern coach can rest assured that, whomever he picks, he can expect a proven goalscoring pedigree.
​

 

[Hoeness]

Blaszczykowski calls for Dortmund team effort
The Poland international believes the fans will be fully behind the team when they face Real Madrid despite the shock news that Mario Gotze is set to join Bayern Munich

Ronaldo: Barcelona & Real Madrid will make Champions League final
The 36-year-old has little doubt the Liga giants will prove to be too strong for their German opposition in the semi-finals and feels Lionel Messi is ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo

Kahn: Barcelona vulnerable at the back
The 43-year-old believes his former club can target the Blaugrana's defensive frailtieson Tuesday night