The Bayern boss feels his side have been dealt a tough draw in the Champions League and has praised Ballon d’Or nominee Manuel Neuer for his recent form
Pep Guardiola says there is much more to Shakhtar Donetsk than star striker Luiz Adriano after Bayern Munich were drawn against the Ukraine champions in the Champions League last 16.
The German champions were paired with Shakhtar in Monday’s draw having finished top of their group, while Mircea Lucescu’s men qualified behind Porto.
Shakhtar boast the tournament’s top scorer in Luiz Adriano, who managed nine goals in the group phase, but Guardiola believes it would be dangerous to concentrate solely on the Brazilian front man.
“Bayern Munich never played against Dontesk before,” he told a press conference. “They have one of the best coaches in the world and some Brazilian players. We want to win this match, obviously.
“They have a good team, not just Adriano. We have to analyse the whole team. I always have great respect for our opponents. When you play the last 16 every opponent is strong.”
Bayern have conceded just three goals all season in the Bundesliga so far and Guardiola was quick to praise Ballon d’Or nominee Manuel Neuer for his form this term.
“We have Manuel Neuer!” he said when asked what the secret was to his side’s remarkable record at the back. “But that’s not everything. We have 11 good players. If you have the ball, it’s difficult for the opponents to score. That’s the reason why we’ve conceded just three goals.
“Every player has to be hungry for success. We have to move on and on, win every single match. The players also have to suit to us, like Juan Bernat. It’s all about winning games and thinking about the next match. I don’t know who is going to play tomorrow [against Freiburg]. I will pick the best team.
“Freiburg are very aggressive. We have to pay attention and be prepared.”
Guardiola, who also revealed Xabi Alonso is struggling with a knock, was also asked his opinion on Norway starlet Martin Odegaard after Karl-Heinz Rummenigge suggested Bayern were in pole position to sign the 15-year-old.
“I don’t know if he is the best player at his age. I don’t know how good [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo were at that age,” he added.