In the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Liverpool, FC Bayern will need to find a good balance between attacking and defending. As a central midfielder, James Rodríguez intends to do just that. In an interview with fcbayern.com, the Colombian explained what will be important and why FC Bayern will reach the next round.
The Interview with James Rodríguez
In the first leg, you impressed with a defensively compact and strong fighting performance. What will be important in the second leg?
James Rodríguez: "We have to play a perfect game at home to go through. Liverpool have very fast players, they feel comfortable when you give them space. That's why we have to be very focused, highly motivated and play a good game."
The first leg in Liverpool ended in a 0-0 draw – a good or a dangerous result?
James: "A dangerous one! I think we have to be very careful. Their counters are very fast. But I think we have every chance of making it into the next round."
You haven't lost any of the three games you've played against Liverpool in your career. What makes you so optimistic that the run will continue in the second leg on Wednesday?
James: "I always have faith and I always want to win. I always want to play in the Champions League and so I hope that we do well and progress. That's what we all want."
The atmosphere in the first leg at Anfield was impressive. What kind of atmosphere do you expect on Wednesday in the Allianz Arena?
James: "I expect that the fans in the arena will support us strongly and drive us forward so that we can feel good and give everything we have."
Liverpool's front line has been really strong in recent years. Who is the most outstanding player for you?
James: "They're all players with great quality, you can't focus on just one. They're all very good and that's why we have to work together as a group to eliminate them and get through."
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