There’s a special atmosphere around Säbener Straße at the moment. It’s a mixture of great excitement, tension and focus. On Wednesday it’s the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, a match everyone is eagerly anticipating. “When Bayern Munich play Real Madrid, it’s always something special. It’s two great clubs going toe to toe so we on the board are just as nervous as everyone connected to FC Bayern,” said Uli Hoeneß in an interview with fcbayern.com.
The FC Bayern president was discussing the upcoming epic. Madrid have a good very team, “as ever”, believes the 65 year-old. “When you play Real, you have to understand you’re playing against one of the best teams in the world. If you’re not at your best you have no chance.”
On ‘wonderful person’ Ancelotti
However, Hoeneß has been excited by FCB in recent weeks. The team’s playing “as one unit”, largely thanks to coach Carlo Ancelotti. “Carlo’s a wonderful person and great fun to work with.”
Ancelotti has come in and formed a team which is delivering at the crucial moments, such as last weekend’s terrific 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. “He’s managed to create a great unity in what was already a technically and tactically good side. When I see the exciting and engaging football we’ve been playing recently, particularly at the Arena, it makes my heart smile.”
On ‘best buddies’ Robben & Ribéry
The performances of two players in particular have contributed to that. Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben are in top form right now and enjoying their football. A few years ago, not many people would’ve expected the two of them to be clicking as well as they are now.
“There were times when they weren’t exactly the best of friends,” explained Hoeneß. “A few years ago I couldn’t have imagined that they’d be best buddies again now.” The pair are regularly tearing opposition defences apart at the moment – and more of the same will be called for on Wednesday.
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