Kroos: Bayern will not run out of breath

Die Roten’s midfield star says his team will not run out of steam in their quest to be crowned champions on three fronts

Toni Kroos says Bayern Munich are not feeling the strain of competing on three fronts.

In an interview with Bild, the 23-year-old was questioned on calls as to whether the Bundesliga leaders are growing complacent or getting tired in their chase for the league, DFB Pokal and Champions League.

“We are not out of breath,” the German international told the German daily newspaper.

“We played weakly in the last game but it is not possible to shine 60 times a season.”

The Bavarians will look to regroup

against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday after losing 2-0 to in the Champions League to Arsenal on Wednesday. Though they progressed to the quarter-finals thanks to the away goals rule, they were criticised for their performance.

“Maybe it was good that we have seen that we must do better,” he commented.” On Saturday we will give 100 per cent, not like in the last game where we only gave 90.

“The game is not meaningless. We have something to make up for and will be right on the gas. The main thing is to be [Bundesliga] champions as early as possible.”

The 22-time German champions are in a commanding position in the Bundesliga, where they command a 20-point advantage over second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

They have drawn Juventus in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and face Wolfsburg in the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal cup.

Juventus can eliminate Bayern – Cannavaro

Speaking from Cambodia, the 2006 World Cup winner thinks La Vecchia Signora can raise their game to defeat the Bavarian club, but cannot see much between the two sides

EXCLUSIVE
By Will Jones

Fabio Cannavaro has tipped his former side Juventus to eliminate Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The former Bianconeri defender believes the Serie A league leaders have what it takes to overcome the four-time European Cup winners and progress to the semi-finals.

Speaking to Goal.com in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the Tiger Street Tournament where players from all over the world can meet in a 5-a-side competition, he said: “Juventus can eliminate Bayern Munich.

“It won’t be easy, but they can play at the Germans’ level.

“All four games seem very balanced and can go either way. It is the quarter-finals, of course only very good teams can make it this far.”

The Italian left the Old Lady for Real Madrid in 2006 where he won two La Liga titles, and here he went on to outline his ideal final.

He said: “It is hard to say which team is favourite to lift the trophy, but my dream would be to see a final between [my ex-teams] Juventus and Real Madrid.”

The Champions League draw sees his former team face die roten in Munich on April 2 before hosting the two-time European Cup winners in northern Italy on April 10.

Conte: Juventus are underdogs for Bayern clash

The Bianconeri coach believes the showdown between the current league leaders in Italy and Germany will be a terrific contest and insists die Roten will have the advantage

Juventus coach Antonio Conte claims Bayern Munich have the upper hand heading into their Champions League quarter-final clash.

The four-time European Cup winners were last year’s finalists but lost out to Chelsea on penalties, while this season, they have a comfortable lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Conte believes with their experience and their ability to take their foot off the pedal domestically, Jupp Heynckes’ men must be considered the favourites for this encounter.

“We were aware that the quarter-finals would present us with a challenging fixture. After Chelsea we’re now playing last year’s second finalists Bayern,” the 43-year-old told the official Juventus club site.

“They’re one of the most consistent sides on a European level and will have the advantage of their great experience accumulated over the years. They’ll also be able to take their minds off the league, given their 20-point lead at the top.”

Juventus haven not won the Champions League since 1996 and, while he is happy to be back in the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition, Conte says their dream of winning the tournament is a constant motivation.

He added: “The game will certainly be a stimulating affair and we’ll experience it with maximum calmness, concentration and joy.

“We’re chasing a dream and want to enjoy this experience all the way until the end. Last year we watched the Champions League on our sofas at home. This year we’re back playing a key role.”

Nedved: Bayern among most feared in Champions League

The former Juventus midfielder has warned of the threat the Bundesliga leaders pose after the two teams were drawn against each other in the Champions League last eight

Juventus director Pavel Nedved believes Bayern Munich are to be one of the “most feared” sides remaining in the Champions League this season.

The reigning Italian champions were drawn against die Roten in the quarter-finals on Friday morning after the Bianconeri comfortably overcame Celtic, while Bayern went through after putting out Arsenal on away goals.

And Nedved knows the side are going to be in for a tough match when they play Jupp Heynckes’ outfit.

“The Germans are strong and skilled, but above all they’re experts in this situation and that’s their main characteristic,” the 40-year old told Sky Italia.

“We’ll be up against a side who are among the most feared in the competition. Bayern are a team with experience in this competition. But we’re also aware of our strengths.”

He added: “We’re very proud to be here as representatives of Italy and above all among the best eight in Europe. It’s the maximum as far as we’re concerned, after plenty of suffering.

The first leg will be played on April 2 at the Allianz Arena followed by the return leg at Juventus Stadium on April 10.

Kroos unhappy at facing Juventus in Champions League

The Germany international is full of respect for the Serie A champions, while Manuel Neuer is also wary of the Bianconeri but believes they can progress

Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos feels that the Bavarians were unfortunate to be paired with Juventus in Friday’s draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Kroos believes that only Barcelona would have been a worse outcome, and has stressed that Bayern need two great performances if they are to reach the final four.

“Juventus knocked last year’s Champions League winners out of the competition at the group stage. It’s the least good draw after Barcelona,” Kroos told the official Bayern website.

“We’ll need two top performances to go through. It would be optimal if we won the first leg while keeping a clean sheet. Arturo Vidal has emerged as a top-class player with Juventus.”

Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer is full of respect for the Serie A champions as well.

“Juventus are a big name and a great team. Italian teams are always well organised, but I still think we definitely have a chance of going through.

“We’re looking forward to both games and we’re delighted to be starting at home.”

The first leg will take place at the Allianz Arena on April 2.