 |
|
UEFA Champions League: Favourites Barcelona fear brute strength of Bremen [Tue Sep 13th, 2005]
Bremen, Germany (Reuters) - Barcelona are preparing for an uncomfortable opening night in the UEFA Champions League when they face Werder Bremen in Group C.
Barca are among the competition favourites after winning the Spanish title in style, but coach Frank Rijkaard is wary of a physically daunting team that beat Valencia twice in the group phase last season.
"We've been warned," Rijkaard said before taking his final training session on the eve of the game. "Werder Bremen have done very well against Spanish teams.
"They had a 5-1 win (over Kaiserslautern) in the league at the weekend so it's obvious they're in form. It would be wrong to say we're afraid, but we know we have to prepare very well to play them."
Barcelona showed touches of last season's attacking fluency in their 2-0 win over Real Mallorca in the league on Sunday.
Rijkaard is happy enough with that aspect of his side's play, but he believes they will face a greater defensive task on Wednesday.
"I think everyone is saying that Barcelona are favourites and that's good," the Dutchman said. "We've worked hard to give ourselves that reputation but it's important that we carry on working.
"The image we project is of a team playing very offensive football but I always say that the most important thing is how the team functions when we lose the ball.
"To play offensively, you need the team to work hard when we have lost the ball. The defence and midfield have to push very hard."
Barcelona, led in midfield by the slight, skilful Xavi and Deco, are particularly worried about Bremen's height and strength.
With that in mind, the absence of Bremen's tall German international striker Miroslav Klose through suspension is a weight off their minds.
"I don't want to single out players, but maybe Klose is the one I'd choose as the most important member," said captain Carles Puyol.
"Bremen are physically very strong, they play close together and their players are tall. I think the best bet for cutting out the threat is not to commit any fouls."
News headlines from around the world.