Schweinsteiger targets knockout blow
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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FC Bayern München's Bastian Schweinsteiger may be conscious of Getafe CF's strengths but it is the Spanish outfit's weaknesses that form the winger's main focus.
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Bastian Schweinsteiger and his FC Bayern München team-mates may now be fully aware of the strengths of Getafe CF, but it is the Spanish side's weaknesses which will be the midfielder's focus at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Thursday.
Dangerous opponents
First-leg goals from Luca Toni and Cosmin Contra at the Fußball Arena München last week have left this quarter-final tie intriguingly poised at 1-1. That result slightly favours Michael Laudrup's men and Bayern expect a tough task in Madrid as they attempt to keep their treble dream – of Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Cup glory – alive. "We feel good and we are going into the game in a positive frame of mind," Schweinsteiger said, before paying tribute to Bayern's hosts. "They have had some great wins at home in the UEFA Cup, which is something we are well aware of."
'Full respect'
Nonetheless, the 23-year-old believes there is enough experience in the Bayern ranks to deal with the atmosphere inside a compact and full stadium in the Madrid suburbs. "Playing in a small, open stadium will not be a distraction for us and we anticipate a big atmosphere. We also know that they have done well against Real Madrid [CF] and [FC] Barcelona in the Spanish league this season. Getafe will have our full respect."
Cracks spotted
With Ottmar Hitzfeld at Schweinsteiger's side throughout the pre-match conference, insisting Bayern are favourites to advance to a semi-final against FC Zenit St. Petersburg or Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the player added that his coach has done all the necessary homework. "Getafe are a well-organised team and very disciplined in their passing. They are also a young club whose progress has been fantastic. That said, we are aware of their weaknesses and we will work to take advantage of them."
Decision time
Certainly, the German international accepts that there is still much to do if Bayern are to seal an impressive campaign with silverware. "I feel I'm having a good season. But there are five very important weeks ahead for us, starting here on Thursday, and we need our team all pulling together."
