The former Bayer Leverkusen striker admits that Leverkusen are outsiders against Barcelona and might not go beyond the last 16 round of the Champions League.
Barbarez was talking in the wake of UEFA Champions League last 16 round draws which saw Bayer Leverkusen being hooked-up against title holders Barcelona.
Leverkusen qualified as runners-up from group E after finishing one point behind the leaders, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786. On the other hand, Barcelona progressed as group H winners.
The Catalan giants have been deemed favourites to win the tie, but Barbarez reckons that Werkself should give their 100 percent despite being the underdogs. The former Hamburg striker admitted to the huge difference in class between
the two teams, therefore suggesting Leverkusen to play at their full potential.
The 40-year-old added that Robin Dutt’s men are unfortunate to be drawn against the reigning Champions but he has urged them to fight until the last minute of the contest.
While talking to reporters after the draws in Nyon, the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina-c2856 attacker further enthused:
"You have to be realistic. They cannot stand up to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604. Nevertheless, each player must have the ambition to get the maximum out of themselves in these games. They must not compete with the idea that they cannot make it. Normally
Bayer Leverkusen would have no chance, but perhaps the opportunity will present itself.”
The Werkself will host first of the two-legged tie on February 14, 2011.
On the other hand, Leverkusen’s German rivals, Bayern Munich, will take on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Basel-c39079 in the next round. The Reds are one of the title contenders but Barbarez is predicting a tough encounter between the two sides.
The former Borussia Dortmund player opined that the Swiss outfit will be over the moon after dumping Manchester United out of the competition and they can also topple Bayern.
"The way they started the season, I thought that they had the quality to win it. In the last few games they have lacked consistency. Nevertheless, Bayern depend only on Bayern. I think Bayern will make a big impact." He concluded.
Bayern will take on Basel on Wednesday, February 15, at the Sankt Jakob-Park.
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