The last-16 first-leg clash will be the first meeting of the two continental heavyweights, since Liverpool beat Bayern Munich in the final of the UEFA Super Cup back in 2001. Let’s have a look at what the Bayern Munich side feels!
Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich has made a shocking comment about their last 16 first leg clash against Liverpool. According to him Liverpool are the clear favourites to progress to the next round.
“Liverpool are the favourites.” the full-back told The Telegraph. “They have lost one league game all season and have let in only 15 goals. But when you look at us, we are not as consistent as before.
Now, it’s a bit different. It’s a chance to develop, to find new ways to success. We are close to Dortmund, in the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal, and still in the Champions League. So, not everything’s bad. But we need to improve our style of playing before we can compare to the best teams in Europe.”
Arjen Robben has said that Anfield is his “worst stadium” as he prepares to return there with Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Robben has suffered three Champions League eliminations at the home of Liverpool, twice with Chelsea in 2005 and 2007 and with Real Madrid in 2009. “I think if you ask [about] the worst stadium for me, it’s probably Liverpool,” Robben told the Mail on Sunday. “There has to be one. You always have your favourite opponent and there always has to be negative one.”
Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski will face their former coach Jurgen Klopp. They were key players in Klopp’s Dortmund side that won back-to-back league titles in 2011 and 2012.
“I worked together with these boys. Two fantastic players. I have to be really thankful – without them probably my career would not be the same,” Klopp said. “We all benefited from each other. That’s part of my life and part of my history. We’ll always have a lot of respect for each other. I know a lot about them. I really like them. We will try everything to, what can I say? To let them not shine.”
James Rodriguez played some part in Bayern Munich’s 3-2 win at Augsburg on Friday before being replaced by Thomas Muller. Given the latter’s suspension, James will likely keep his place in the starting line-up against Liverpool in Tuesday’s Champions League showdown. This game could be a pivotal one in both Bayern’s season and the career of James. The World Cup Golden Boot and FIFA Puskas Award winner of 2014, as well as the fourth most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history, is in a rut.
As unbelievable as it would have sounded just two or three years ago, James’ elite-level days are in limbo. A star turn against Liverpool might be needed if that is to change.
Sadly, Bayern Munich will be without Boateng and Ribery against Liverpool. “Boateng is missing because of a gastrointestinal infection,” Kovac said ahead of Bayern’s flight from Munich. “Ribery became a father last night. He will be travelling this afternoon.”
However, winger Kingsley Coman is in the squad after tests revealed he did not sustain serious ankle damage in last Friday’s 3-2 Bundesliga win over Augsburg. Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said they would wait until nearer kick-off before deciding whether Coman can be risked. “It looks positive, he’s a bit better,” he said. “We’ll see. We have 36 hours left. I can’t give a final statement yet.”
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