What do you consider the brand new Champions League format? How do you suppose it labored?
To start with, individuals struggled with it, however I have to say that now after the primary time, I actually appreciated it. ‘Smaller’ groups like Brest or Aston Villa performed an enormous function. You get large matches earlier within the season — not simply within the quarters or semis. It’s attention-grabbing. And there are two extra matchdays, which provides to the thrill.
There are extra groups concerned within the competitors now, do you suppose that’s a constructive factor?
I believe so. To get the smaller crew on that stage is large. Going through large groups and enjoying in iconic stadiums such because the Santiago Bernabéu — it’s a primary for a lot of, and it’s very constructive.
Some present gamers and managers are involved in regards to the congested schedule, what do you suppose?
It’s essential to consider gamers’ well being. Adjusting the schedule is essential. In fact, gamers choose video games over coaching. I used to be at all times proud of a Saturday-Wednesday rhythm. However breaks are essential, particularly for the long run. Different sports activities like basketball have many extra video games, however we nonetheless must be cautious.
You mentioned gamers need to play each recreation. What’s probably the most you’ve pushed your self simply to play?
Most likely throughout harm. Typically the membership or nationwide crew wants you, however your physique might have some ache within the knee or one thing, however you discover a approach to play the match. For me, the 2014 World Cup was the hardest by way of enjoying soccer with the ache. I used to be injured earlier than the crew was chosen, however the coach nonetheless took me. I used to be in a position to play on the second matchday, after which it was nearly making ready for the matches.
Again to the Champions League. You received it in 2013 with Bayern. How would that crew do on this 12 months’s event?
Fairly nicely. That crew we had, in my eyes, was unbeatable. The one downside was that we did not stick collectively for that lengthy afterwards. We misplaced to Chelsea in 2012, and caught collectively for the subsequent season, however this crew ought to have been collectively for 2 or three years longer, however sadly it wasn’t.
