The two-time German Cup winner and former Bayern Munich midfielder believes that Bayer Leverkusen are presented with an uphill task against Barcelona.
Strunz reckons that Werkself have been extremely unfortunate to have been drawn against the reigning European Champions in the UEFA Champions League round-of-16.
Having qualified from group E as runners-up behind http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786, Leverkusen are being considered the underdogs against a strong Catalonian outfit.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 topped the Group H by a comfortable margin and are already tipped to retain their Champions League crown after dismissal of last year’s finalists, Manchester United, from the competition.
However, Strunz opined that Robin Dutt’s men should not fear the Spanish outfit and they must play their natural game to stand any chance of upsetting La Liga powerhouse. He also stressed on the importance of having a compact defence
against an attacking outfit which can score goals at will.
While talking to Goal.com, the 43-year-old further enthused:
"This is obviously a tough draw. [Leverkusen] got the top favourites, it is extremely difficult. Barcelona must have two bad days and Leverkusen must play above themselves twice. They proved against Chelsea that they can do this.
They have no pressure. To advance to the next round ahead of Barcelona would be sensational. The odds are low, but it's possible.”
"There will be no individual player, it will depend on team performance, on how well Bayer can stem the Barcelona offence and how well they can use the counter-attack." He concluded.
The former Reds player believes that presence of midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Ballack-c25270 will be a huge plus for the German side as his experience will play a huge role in his team’s chances of getting anything from the contest.
Leverkusen managed to win three of their six group games including a win at home over the group winners, Chelsea. On the other hand, Barcelona progressed through by winning five of their six games.
Both teams will lock horns for the first-leg at BayArena on Tuesday, February 14, before Werkself travel to Camp Nou for the return fixture on Wednesday, March 7.
Tags: