Shakhtar vs Bayern: Lewandowski and Gotze talked to press

16-02-15 22:45:41

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Before the match with the Pitmen, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski answered the journalists’ questions.

- Mario, what are you expecting from tomorrow's game?
Mario Gotze: - Expectations are high. This tournament is a special event for us; especially when it comes to games at the knock-out stage.

- Robert, you already have the experience of playing against Shakhtar when you were a player of Borussia Dortmund. What do you expect from this match?
Robert Lewandowski: - Yes, I played against Shakhtar about three years ago. Since that time, many players have left the team. Nevertheless, Shakhtar have recently been training in different places and at different bases, so I expect a very different game from the opponent.

- Does the situation in eastern Ukraine affect your expectations of tomorrow's game?
 Mario Gotze: - We would like to be focused on the game.

- Is there a difference between matches in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League, given the fact that on February 17 only ten thousand people are expected to attend the match?
Mario Gotze: - Of course, there is a difference. But it all depends on the capacity of the stadium. If it is even 10 thousand, it is still an important match for us.

- You have scored eight goals versus Hamburg. Can it make the team feel complacent?
Robert Lewandowski: - The match against Hamburg cannot be called simple. A game with Shakhtar is quite another. After all, very strong footballers play for the opposition side, and, unlike the domestic league, there will be just two games.

- How important is the fact that Shakhtar have not played official matches for two months?
Mario Gotze: - This period cannot only be their disadvantage, but also advantage. They had plenty of time to prepare for this meeting. Many top-class players perform for their side, so the game will not be easy.

- Which Bundesliga team could you compare Shakhtar with?
Robert Lewandowski: - There are a lot of Brazilians in this team. The same situation can be seen in many clubs of our league. But it's hard now to call a team similar to Shakhtar in terms of style of play.

- You did not have a training session  at the Arena Lviv. How much time do you need to get used to its pitch?
Mario Gotze: - I believe that we do not need to additionally prepare for conditions. For example, we played in Brazil when it was 25-35C, we played when it was snowing, raining. No problems.

- Mircea Lucescu said that there are 13 Brazilians in his team, and there are 6 World Cup champions at Bayern. And these Brazilians will want to take the revenge for the World Cup. How do Bayern see it?
Mario Gotze: - These are two different games - during the World Cup and in the Champions League. Back then, it was the game between national teams, so I do not see the connection between two games.

- Is it hard to play against Shakhtar’s defenders?
Robert Lewandowski: - I've played against the Pitmen, but back then there was different defence. A match against this team will not be easy.

- Both of you have said more than once that Shakhtar have a lot of top players. Whom would you like to see in your team, and not in the opposition squad?
Robert Lewandowski: - This question is rather for the coach and club management.

- Do you know what squad will be fielded tomorrow?
Mario Gotze: - No.

- When do you know?
Mario Gotze: - Maybe tomorrow in the morning or in the afternoon.

- You've already played in Lviv versus Karpaty. Do you remember anything about that game?
Mario Gotze: - A little. First of all, I remember how in 2012 we played here with the German national team.

FC Shakhtar
Press Office