Bayer Leverkusen’s Rolfes Reacts to Bayern Clash in Champions League
Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, exhibited a relaxed demeanor in response to the Champions League draw that pitted his team against Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich in the round of 16.
Rolfes’s Humorous Response
Rolfes drew upon a legendary quote attributed to former German international Andy Möller, who supposedly said, "Milan or Madrid, as long as it’s Italy," when asked about his preferred European opponents. Rolfes quipped, "Andy Möller would probably say, ‘Munich or Madrid, as long as it’s Italy.’" However, it’s worth noting that Möller has since denied ever saying this.
Leverkusen’s Top-Tier Opponents
Rolfes acknowledged that Leverkusen was destined to face a formidable opponent, whether it be Bayern or Real Madrid, the latter of whom will now play against city rivals Atlético Madrid. "It was clear to us that we would face a top team," Rolfes remarked. "Both teams are top opponents. Now it’s Munich. They’re a team we know well, and they know us well. It’s going to be a high-level round of 16 matchup."
Leverkusen’s Home Advantage
The two Bundesliga clubs will clash on March 4/5 and March 11/12 in the round of 16. Leverkusen will host the second leg at home due to Bayern’s inferior performance in the group stage, which forced them to navigate the playoffs. The two Bundesliga encounters thus far have concluded in draws, with Leverkusen emerging as the dominant side in the recent 0-0 stalemate. Bayer also secured a 1-0 victory over Bayern in the DFB Pokal in Munich.
Alonso’s Special Encounter
The match will carry particular significance for Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who lifted three Bundesliga titles with Bayern during his playing days. Rolfes remarked, "It’s going to be a special match for our head coach Xabi Alonso. He spent many years at Munich, where he celebrated great success. It’s going to be a lot of fun for him."
High Stakes for Both Clubs
Leverkusen and Bayern will approach this encounter with contrasting aspirations. Bayern, as the reigning Bundesliga and Champions League champions, will be eager to prolong their dominance in both competitions. Meanwhile, Leverkusen, having endured a difficult season in the Bundesliga, will be determined to make a deep run in the Champions League as a potential route to next season’s competition.
The Tactical Battleground
The fixture is likely to showcase a tactical chess match between two coaches with contrasting styles. Alonso’s Leverkusen favor a possession-based approach, while Bayern under Julian Nagelsmann are more inclined to play with a high press and quick transitions. Rolfes believes that Leverkusen’s familiarity with Bayern’s tactics will be a crucial advantage. "We know what to expect," he said. "They’re a top team with a lot of quality, but we believe in our abilities."
Conclusion
The Champions League encounter between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich promises to be a captivating affair filled with historical significance and tactical intrigue. Both teams will enter the match with their own ambitions and motivations, making this round of 16 clash a must-see event in the European football calendar.
