After a 10-day break, Liverpool will be back in action taking on Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.
Liverpool come into this game having found their mojo after an impressive 3-0 victory over Bournemouth while Bayern continue to try to keep pace with Borussia Dortmund after a narrow 3-2 win against Augsburg put them two points behind but with one more game played.
Ahead of this clash between two European superpowers, I spoke to Bayern fan @HomeFCB to get the German point of view.
After a tough start to the season, things seem to be settling down right. How would you analyse the season so far?
“Very irregular. At first, the team seemed to have a set game standard, but after eight games everything collapsed. Gradually the team was losing its identity and things got very complicated in the beginning. Kovač now seems to have found his ideal XI and the team is gaining rapport.”
Who has been Bayern’s standout player so far this season? And who on the other hand has been a bit disappointing?
“Thiago, without a doubt. He is the team’s celebrity, the construction of play is always started with him. It’s the best season of his career and he’s the most creative player in the Bayern squad.
“The most disappointing player is Boateng. His quality has dropped in a frightening way this season. At the moment you can not think of an XI with Jérôme in it.”
With new boss Niko Kovač coming under fire, how do you rate the Croatian’s time at Bayern so far?
“Very irregular. His main mistake was wanting to change too many things at the start of the season, he did not give the team standards. Now he seems to have realised his mistake and consequently the team is evolving. But overall his work is not good.”
For Liverpool fans who may not be familiar with the side what are Bayern’s biggest strengthens and weakness?
“The strength is the team’s ability in big games, it always grows at these key moments. The weak point is the defending of counter-attacks. This is a problem for the game because Liverpool like to play with counter attacks.”
What is the key to winning this match for Bayern?
“The defensive system. Staying well in defence is the key to leaving Anfield with a good result.”
A lot has been made of the Bayern defence. Do you worry that could be something Liverpool take advance of?
“Yes, it’s the team’s biggest problem this season. Liverpool must know this. Klopp knows Bayern very well. As I said in the previous question, it is Bayern’s biggest problem.”
So far this season Bayern have conceded 26 league goals. They conceded 28 in the whole of last season. What has caused this massive drop off?
“The lack of a consistent starting XI and the rotation made by Kovač at the start of the season is certainly a factor. Without a defined pair of defenders, combined with some bad form from the defenders (except Süle), those things certainly have a lot to do with that high number.”
How do you rate Liverpool?
“A team that is in top form under Klopp. Liverpool have changed defensively with van Dijk. The attackers are very fast. Firmino for me is the main player because besides creating and building plays, he is a great defender. It’s a fantastic team.”
A lot has been made about the Anfield atmosphere recently, is that something that worries you?
“Not too much, this is extra fuel for the players. Bayern is a club accustomed to these atmospheres so you have nothing to fear.”
What worries you most about Liverpool?
“The first 20 minutes. If we can get through this period we can get a good result at Anfield.”
Will recent injuries and suspension hurt Bayern going into this game?
“There are not so many injured, just Robben and Tolisso. Robben’s absence is the most felt because he knows these kinds of big games like nobody else.”
Taking all the missing players into account, what is your team prediction?
“It’s the team that has been playing in the last five games so there should be no surprises;”
Neuer
Kimmich, Süle, Hummels, Alaba
Goretzka, Thiago
Gnabry, James, Coman
Lewandowski
How do you see the first leg playing out?
“It is a key game, but will not decide the tie. It will be a clash of great teams. I see Liverpool being a bit more prepared (55/45), but in 180 minutes anything can happen. Football fans will certainly enjoy the game.”
