The Bayer Leverkusen defender is positive ahead of his team’s UEFA Champions League clash against the reigning European champions.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604. Both the sides will lock horns in the knock-out stage of the competition on Tuesday, February 14, for the first-leg
of clash at the BayArena. Leverkusen qualified from Group-E alongside http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786, whereas, Barcelona finished as Group-H leaders.
The defender mentioned that Werkself are looking forward to the game and the team is determined to perform, ahead of the fixture. Friedrich stated that his side are well prepared for the game, and are looking to dictate terms despite
facing arguably the best team on the planet.
The player admitted that Werkself are lucky to be facing the Catalan giants as it will be a great experience for a relatively inexperienced side, which will be without http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Ballack-c25270 for the match.
While talking to the official UEFA website, the former Werder Bremen centre back further added:
"There are two reactions you can have to the draw. On the one hand, 'oh no!', and on the other hand 'that's great'. In my eyes they are the best team in the world, so what better draw could you get?"
Friedrich added that his side will definitely be the underdogs against the Spanish powerhouse but admitted that Leverkusen have the quality to down any team in the world. He claims that the German outfit will go all out and give
their all as Leverkusen have nothing to lose against the tournament favourites.
"We should have respect, but not too much. You just have to look forward to the challenge, give everything, run until you need to see a doctor and then see what comes from that,” Friedrich added.
On the other hand, the sweeper insisted that each of his teammates know the importance of this game at home considering the second-leg will be played at Camp Nou. “Our manager doesn't have to say anything to us about this. I mean
everyone knows their players, everyone knows the club and everyone knows how they play,” the 32-year-old concluded.
Leverkusen are coming fresh from a 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, and will be looking to turn things around when they face the Spanish and European champions on Tuesday.
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