Author Topic: Leverkusen build up... (Read 10923 times)

nidgemo · « **on:** March 4, 2005, 02:00:15 pm »

bit early, I know, but to save the proliferation of new threads which is, no doubt, imminent, and to have somewhere to put this interview, I thought I might as well create one now!

http://www.uefa.com/magazine/news/Kind=16/newsId=284949.html

Berbatov wants Liverpool double
Friday, 4 March 2005

By Dimitar Dimitrov and Stoyan Georgiev

Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker Dimitar Berbatov is aiming to repeat history next Wednesday as the German side seek to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Liverpool FC in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round.


Berbatov has scored three goals in this season's Champions League

Double goal
In the 2002 quarter-finals, he scored as Leverkusen defeated the Reds 4-2 after losing the first leg. This time, Berbatov is aiming to emulate the achievement of his former national team coach, Stoicho Mladenov, who scored twice for PFC CSKA Sofia in March 1982 to knock the holders Liverpool out of the same competition.

uefa.com: Do you think you can do what Mladenov did?

Dimitar Berbatov: Why can't I repeat that feat? Liverpool are favourites and the pressure is on them. But the second leg is in Germany and Leverkusen will definitely have a chance of going through. We have also been written off in previous games against the likes of [FC] Barcelona, Juventus [FC] and [RC] Deportivo La Coruña.

uefa.com: Is there something more important for you than goals and victories?

Berbatov: Probably everyone would say health but I will add family. My family - my father, my mother and my brother - are always with me in good and bad times. The goals that I score are very important for me but also make my family happy.


Berbatov is enjoying playing under Hristo Stoitchkov

uefa.com: How does it feel to score against such great clubs as Real Madrid CF, Manchester United FC and Barcelona?

Berbatov: It's incredible. It is like being drunk with joy. But I am always very happy whether I score against Real Madrid or some smaller club.

uefa.com: Who are the best strikers in Europe now?

Berbatov: First, I have to say that my childhood hero was Marco van Basten - he was fantastic. But now there are some fantastic players. We start with Ronaldo, then we may go to Ruud van Nistelrooij and then to Thierry Henry. The Frenchman is so fast and you can never catch him, even with a car!

uefa.com: How do you feel when you see a Bulgarian flag when playing for Leverkusen?

Berbatov: I am really proud. When we played against Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this season, there was a Bulgarian flag right behind the goal when I scored. When I scored, I was in the eyes of those Bulgarian fans and they were also happy because of me. That makes me really proud.

uefa.com: What has Hristo Stoitchkov changed as coach of Bulgaria?

Berbatov: I do not want to make any comparisons with his predecessors. Everyone knows who Stoitchkov is. He is respected all over the world. He is unbelievable. He makes you feel that he is one of us. He talks with us as a friend. He has changed the mood in the team.

uefa.com: What do you think you can learn from Stoitchkov?

Berbatov: We are completely different types of player. But I would like to take part of his winning mentality.

uefa.com. Have you already thought about life after football?

Berbatov: No. It's too early for me. I only think about football. I still have a lot of dreams and I hope they will come true. Probably one day I will start my own business. Maybe it will again be something connected with football. But who knows?

uefa.com: You are a very good painter. Do you intend to stage your own exhibition one day?

Berbatov: Why not? Some day it may happen. It may be my business one day.

LES · « **Reply #1 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:03:26 pm »

Got a good feeling about this game for some reason, don't know why but i think we will score out there.

Fitz. · « **Reply #2 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:14:46 pm »

Ive been thinking about this game since the 1st leg, if we are to score first i reckon its all over, are defence is better than last time and Benitez has more sense than to take hamann off.

If they score 1st it could be a different story

Simon C · « **Reply #3 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:17:24 pm »

The first 20 minutes are crucial, we need to keep it tight and treat the game as if it is 0-0. I think we will go through, be the only English club in the last 8 and get no fucking credit as normal.

YNWA96

Vicente · « **Reply #4 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:17:35 pm »

I think they are a worse team now than the last time we went there with a slight lead. I still have my doubts because of Jerzy's mistake. If we had gone there with a 3-0 lead and scored, it would have been game over. But, I can see us snatching a goal, and going through.

Life · « **Reply #5 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:24:22 pm »

My head says we should piss it.....my hearts says the opposite.

Can see us losing 2-0.

At 3-0, they needed 4...if we'd have scored, they'd have needed 5. So our tactics should have been to go there and go for a goal and not get disheartened if we conceded in the process.

Now, we're going to go there aiming to keep it tight. We could easily concede an early one - and then defend for the bulk of the game and lose another near the end.
Shades of Arsenal '89 about this...

nyujvary · « **Reply #6 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:24:41 pm »

Quote

Benitez has more sense than to take hamann off.

jesus, lets hope so, that still puts a sour taste in my mouth....

but to echo the sentiment, I too have a good feeling about this one, to be honest, its newcastle that I'm more afraid of.

Darren Page1 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:26:32 pm »

Quote from: nyujvary on March 4, 2005, 02:24:41 pm

jesus, lets hope so, that still puts a sour taste in my mouth....

but to echo the sentiment, I too have a good feeling about this one, to be honest, its newcastle that I'm more afraid of.

word

nidgemo · « **Reply #8 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:31:55 pm »

Quote from: Life on March 4, 2005, 02:24:22 pm

My head says we should piss it.....my hearts says the opposite.

Can see us losing 2-0.

At 3-0, they needed 4...if we'd have scored, they'd have needed 5. So our tactics should have been to go there and go for a goal and not get disheartened if we conceded in the process.

Now, we're going to go there aiming to keep it tight. We could easily concede an early one - and then defend for the bulk of the game and lose another near the end.
Shades of Arsenal '89 about this...

That said - by evening up the away goal, we might as well have never let in the late one at anfield.

We get an away goal - they need 4 again

We get 2, they need 5, and they have a shabby defence, and 3 of their first choice midfield 4 missing for this one - we have stevie G back...

Vicente · « **Reply #9 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:34:20 pm »

Quote from: Life on March 4, 2005, 02:24:22 pm

Shades of Arsenal '89 about this...

Not quite the same scenario. I'm sure I won't stay in bed for a month after this game

Darren Page1 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:37:43 pm »

Quote from: Rafalino on March 4, 2005, 02:34:20 pm

Not quite the same scenario. I'm sure I won't stay in bed for a month after this game

Heres a weird thought --when we played Aresnal that night that day id had a big knee op and missed the game cause i was on drugs--only remember McMahon saying "1 min to go"

Anyway i have a big ankle Op on the morning of the Bayer game--hope its not the same outcome all these painful years later

Kop4 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:38:15 pm »

Traore will be a big miss for us. Who would have thought that?

We can't go there expecting to play as we did v Chelsea. They will open us up more than they did.

We must keep the ball far better regardless.

Five in midfield is a certainty. I think we keep possesion, stay tight and catch them on the break, and we will score.

Sorted

Darren Page1 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 4, 2005, 02:43:12 pm »

Quote from: Kop4th. Forget the Cup on March 4, 2005, 02:38:15 pm

Traore will be a big miss for us. Who would have thought that?

Exactly my thoughts--when did that happen?

codger · « **Reply #13 on:** March 4, 2005, 04:00:53 pm »

Quote from: nidgemo on March 4, 2005, 02:31:55 pm

That said - by evening up the away goal, we might as well have never let in the late one at anfield.

We get an away goal - they need 4 again

We get 2, they need 5, and they have a shabby defence, and 3 of their first choice midfield 4 missing for this one - we have stevie G back...

Not sure the Stevie G bit is that encouraging:
AOTM our skipper's return is not an unmixed blessing. He tried hard enough on Sunday - but that 2 week break doesn't seem to have got his head back together yet
.
The away goal for LFC is crucial; even if BL do score first (and I hope TF they don't), a goal for Liverpool means Leverkusen need 3 just to force extra time.
AS long as we don't get over-run - like that opening half hour v Basel - then even the usual naff defending can still get us thro'

Actually on Sunday, I thought we defended OK - til that ***og.
Once it was 1-1, only one team was going to win, tho; which is v worrying as an omen for Bayer.
And we struggled to pass the ball/keep possession. Even tho we did make a string of great chances; we just couldn’t take the 'heat' out of the game, by calming it down; making Chelsea do the chasing.
Whereas v Leverkusen at Anfield, we attacked well - but defended carelessly; luck and last ditch tackles/saves kept BL at bay.

BTW; is Djimi deffo out for Leverkusen?
(Hadn't seen it confirmed he'd miss even the Newcy game.)
I assume that means DT wont play tomorrow; who is pencilled in at LB? (PLEASE tell me it ain't JAR?)

Nerik · « **Reply #14 on:** March 4, 2005, 06:04:14 pm »

Berbatov = Clinton Morrisson before the 2001 Lge Cup semi.When you spit in the air.............

gray19lfc · « **Reply #15 on:** March 4, 2005, 06:21:17 pm »

So a win of any scoreline will see us through and so should any type of draw (correct me if I'm wrong). Can anyone do a list of losses that will mean we go out?

YNWA

Sat1 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 4, 2005, 06:29:34 pm »

Keep it compact and hit them on the break. Can see Nunez Hamann Biscan Riise in the middle with Stevie supporting Baros.

I'd prefer it to be 0-0 first half and for us to score in the 2nd.

Comb Over · « **Reply #17 on:** March 4, 2005, 08:00:09 pm »

Quote from: HowHard-Gerrard on March 4, 2005, 06:21:17 pm

So a win of any scoreline will see us through and so should any type of draw (correct me if I'm wrong). Can anyone do a list of losses that will mean we go out?

YNWA

2 or more goals to nil
4 or more goals to one
5 or more goals to two

mikeflev · « **Reply #18 on:** March 4, 2005, 08:38:21 pm »

maybe our defense is in great trouble...Nowotny's out...Roque Junior 90% -out, and Juan a little bit groggy (something with his muscles) 80% playing. ??
midfield "problems" can be easier solved (although Freier (suspended) was in great shape)
our forwards are called "Monster-Offensive"

...maybe Berbatov and Voronin begin...and Franca on the bench
normally we'll begin slow, so don't fear those first 20 minutes....but what the hell is normal to play Liverpool?

keep an eye on Krzynowek, Donovan (little tin soldier

) and of course Schneider

Tony19:6 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 4, 2005, 08:48:24 pm »

As someone said first 20 will be crucial ....

I can see them scoring 2 though which is why I was so upset with the way we lost that goal at Anfield, I feel we need at least one.

Lets just get behind the team and go again after all we owe them one

Anthony · « **Reply #20 on:** March 4, 2005, 09:05:00 pm »

UEFA.com have done an article on Didi as well...

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/news/Kind=8192/newsId=284757.html

Hamann eggs on Liverpool
Wednesday, 2 March 2005

By Adrian Harte

All the talk may have been of the absence of Steven Gerrard ahead of the UEFA Champions League meeting between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen last week, but afterwards it was his midfield partner Dietmar Hamann who was the centre of attention.

Key role
The German international swept home a late free-kick as the Reds won 3-1 at Anfield. But when he spoke to uefa.com, Hamann was keen to stress that the win was gratifying more because it ended Liverpool's poor run of form. "It was satisfying because we have had a few bad weeks recently and have not had the results we wanted to have. It was a satisfying result as a 3-1 win at home is always good. We are confident and hopeful for the second leg now," Hamann told uefa.com.

Dudek defence
The German international was also quick to come to the defence of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek after the Polish international misjudged a shot to allow França score a crucial away goal seconds after it seemed Hamann had smoothed Liverpool's path into the last eight.

'Great saves'
He said: "That's the way it goes you know - you score goals and you concede goals. The ball took an awkward bounce and made it hard for Jerzy. It came off his chest and the striker followed it in and knocked the rebound in. But these things happen and he made two or three great saves before that so no one blames Jerzy. Leading 3-1 is still a very good result even though 3-0 would have been a huge result for us."

'Attacking impetus'
Hamann explained that the very open game was typical of Liverpool's performances at Anfield this season. "We have created a lot more chances in our home games this season than in recent years," he said. "We always show that we can score goals but we haven't kept too many clean sheets in recent weeks. Fortunately for us our first shot was on target - Luis [García] made it 1-0 after 15 or 20 minutes. In recent weeks the first shot against us went in and we went 1-0 down. Everyone could be a little more confident, we settled better and we controlled the game in the first half and played a decent game."

'Bad mood'
The German midfielder is hopeful that the win will trigger an improved spell for the Reds, who lie fifth in the English Premiership, eight points off the Champions League places. He said: "It is always hard when you get beat. It always hard to go in for training and meetings or whatever because every one is in a bad mood. Hopefully this result can give everyone a boost for the rest of the season."

Race for fourth
That feel-good factor may have been cut short by Liverpool's defeat by Chelsea FC in the League Cup final on Sunday but the nature of that defeat, in which they led the Premiership leaders for 79 minutes before succumbing in extra time, may yet inspire Rafael Benítez's side in the race for fourth place with neighbours Everton FC.

'Top form'
On a more personal level, Hamann's eye-catching displays have earned a recall to the German national team - and he is relishing his return. "Others might have thought my international career was over," he added. "But I have never given up hope of still playing for Germany. I am very happy to have been rewarded for my form this season."

Spartacus. · « **Reply #21 on:** March 4, 2005, 09:06:06 pm »

One game as a time.... forget this one.

Tony19:6 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 4, 2005, 09:14:58 pm »

Quote from: Spartacus on March 4, 2005, 09:06:06 pm

One game as a time.... forget this one.

Sorry isnt this the Leverkusen thread i.e. the team we are playing next week

We can multi-task ya know

Spartacus. · « **Reply #23 on:** March 4, 2005, 09:39:39 pm »

Quote from: tony18:4 on March 4, 2005, 09:14:58 pm

Sorry isnt this the Leverkusen thread i.e. the team we are playing next week

I guessed that.... hence me saying forget about it....

Quote

We can multi-task ya know

Oh plssssssssssssss if it was a female only site I might agree but as it is.......

Tony19:6 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 4, 2005, 09:53:59 pm »

Quote from: Spartacus on March 4, 2005, 09:39:39 pm

Oh plssssssssssssss if it was a female only site I might agree but as it is.......

Kop4 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 5, 2005, 12:19:01 am »

Quote from: Spartacus on March 4, 2005, 09:39:39 pm

I guessed that.... hence me saying forget about it....

Oh plssssssssssssss if it was a female only site I might agree but as it is.......

Vicente · « **Reply #26 on:** March 5, 2005, 12:43:58 am »

Quote from: Kop4th. Forget the Cup on March 5, 2005, 12:19:01 am

well thought out, sycophantic smiley, there.

Harry_Wong · « **Reply #27 on:** March 5, 2005, 03:44:00 am »

Quote from: mikeflev on March 4, 2005, 08:38:21 pm

maybe our defense is in great trouble...Nowotny's out...Roque Junior 90% -out, and Juan a little bit groggy (something with his muscles) 80% playing. ??
midfield "problems" can be easier solved (although Freier (suspended) was in great shape)
our forwards are called "Monster-Offensive" ...maybe Berbatov and Voronin begin...and Franca on the bench
normally we'll begin slow, so don't fear those first 20 minutes....but what the hell is normal to play Liverpool?

keep an eye on Krzynowek, Donovan (little tin soldier ) and of course Schneider

From the first leg, I thought Leverkusen only started to get on top of Liverpool when Schneider was given freedom to get forward.

The defence looked terrible without Nowotny. That injury took a lot out of Leverkusen, I think it meant Schneider was stuck as full-back and couldn't be as influential as he would be in midfield. I think Juan was more help to Liverpool than Leverkusen.

If Schneider can attack more in the second leg Leverkusen could have a chance, he seems to start a lot of the inter-passing moves around the area.

Good Luck...but we'll still win.

Harry_Wong · « **Reply #28 on:** March 5, 2005, 04:10:02 am »

Quote from: Moro19 on March 5, 2005, 03:51:42 am

Is Nowotny out for the 2nd leg?

Out for the rest of the season. Ligament damage in their Bundesliga match just before they came to Anfield. It completely disrupted their defence and midfield, having to re-arrange to cover for the loss of their captain.

I didn't know, but he has had a history of ligament trouble:

Quote

Although two serious cruciate injuries have affected his pace, Jens Nowotny remains a deft man-marker and possesses the ability not only to stifle attacks with his superb reading of the game, but the confidence to distribute the ball effectively when he has won it.

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/Players/Player=8728/

It may threate his career. http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/050221/3/97xk.html

UEFA are billing the game as Baros vs Berbatov.

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/FixturesResults/Round=1969/Match=1081500/Report=SF.html

They're both the same age. (Though you wouldn't guess that from the way Baros has behaved recently)
I'd thought Berbatov was a few years older.

mikeflev · « **Reply #29 on:** March 5, 2005, 05:25:52 pm »

Juan with a ligament damage (torn ligament) and will be missing for about 6 - 8 weeks.
so on wednesday without Nowotny, Juan and Roque Junior, almost the whole defence...
we've lost 1:0 too...in Hamburg

Sat1 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 5, 2005, 05:31:04 pm »

Quote from: mikeflev on March 5, 2005, 05:25:52 pm

Juan with a ligament damage (torn ligament) and will be missing for about 6 - 8 weeks.
so on wednesday without Nowotny, Juan and Roque Junior, almost the whole defence...
we've lost 1:0 too...in Hamburg

Will we be seeing Schneider at right back again?

Jimmy10Men · « **Reply #31 on:** March 5, 2005, 05:42:43 pm »

Juan's not playing?

Shit, he was absolute garbage in the first leg.

I have lumped on Leverkusen to go through at 11/4 anyway, am taking something from this game!

gregor · « **Reply #32 on:** March 5, 2005, 08:11:23 pm »

I'm praying we don't go there and sit back from the outset. We should push for a goal as soon as possible.

fudge · « **Reply #33 on:** March 5, 2005, 08:22:27 pm »

we've not had much of a build up have we, good job Bayer have been about as impressive since our game

mobydick · « **Reply #34 on:** March 5, 2005, 08:25:54 pm »

Bayer are vulnerable at the back, especially now with their injury problems. The same could be said about us though in midfield and up front. We can't let them get up a head of steam or they will lift their play, as they have done against European opposition on more than one occasion this season. The longer we keep a clean sheet the more nervous they will become but saying that, scoring late goals gives a team a tremendous lift that can change a game in a flash. I feel we must be controlled in our approach and hit them on the counter attack, preferably scoring first. The thing is, Bayer must score and the fact that they must go forward will be our chance to take control of the game and win.

YNWA
JFT96

Gnurglan · « **Reply #35 on:** March 5, 2005, 09:46:36 pm »

We'll have to survive the first 15 minutes. After that we've got to dare to stand higher up the pitch and play football. That's what we do best, so that's what we should do. It's not about all out attack, it's about daring to put pressure on our opponents. Since we only have one striker, it's important we don't have him chase everything on his own. We've got to support him. I'd play

Baros
Garcia
Warnock Biscan Gerrard Nunez
Riise Sami Carra Finnan
Dudek

I'd be tempted to play Hamann-Biscan in the center and leave Gerrard on the bench. Simply because we played well against them with Didi and Igor in the first game. And Gerrard could have an impact on the game if we need to change things around. Warnock and Nunez would have to do a fair bit of running down respective flank, with Garcia being the creator. And that is a key thing in this game. Someone MUST support Baros or it will be like vs Newcastle (or when Morientes played on his own vs Chelsea) - an isolated striker. We could pick Smicer or ALT for that creative role too, but Vlad is better off the bench and ALT, we shouldn't rely on him yet.

Crazy-Horse · « **Reply #36 on:** March 5, 2005, 09:48:58 pm »

I'd be tempted to just kidnap Biscan and lock him in the kit-room till the games over.

Gnurglan · « **Reply #37 on:** March 5, 2005, 09:50:18 pm »

Quote from: spike71 on March 5, 2005, 09:48:58 pm

I'd be tempted to just kidnap Biscan and lock him in the kit-room till the games over.

Why? Not impressed with his display when we played BL at home?

wilburkop · « **Reply #38 on:** March 5, 2005, 10:18:08 pm »

Quote from: Gnurglan on March 5, 2005, 09:50:18 pm

Why? Not impressed with his display when we played BL at home?

lets not kid our selves here biscan is not a great player by any means ok he slid a great pass through that night but all real fans will have seen he is out of his depth . he look so unsure of what do do when he gets the ball its unreal. good service but good bye in the summer i hope just not good enough

Crazy-Horse · « **Reply #39 on:** March 5, 2005, 10:24:58 pm »

He's alright when the game is at a slow tempo, and he can just sit deep and pass the ball five yards, but he's not suited to the fast paced, aggressive Premiership.