FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.04.2009 17:11

Bayern optimistic despite injuries and a 5-1 corrective

Berta Brau/Roger Bogunyà

Bayern Munich, a team that has never lost against Barça, has travelled to Barcelona without two of its defensive stalwarts. But such is the strength of their self belief, that there’s still plenty of optimism in the German camp.

On the surface things are not looking good for Bayern. They lost 5-1 to Wolfsburg at the weekend, they lost regular centre back Lucio to injury, and then lost his replacement Van Buyten for personal reasons. However, one thing is certain – the eleven players who start for the German club tonight will be competitive to the core.

A new defence

Lucio picked up his injury at the weekend and will definitely miss tonight’s match. Van Buyten has stayed behind as a result of personal matters and is unlikely to travel today. According to coach Jürgen Klinsmann: “Can he travel to Barcelona on Wednesday? Of course he can. He’ll be the one to decide”.

If Van Buyten is finally unavailable, the inexperienced Brazilian Breno will probably take his place. Klinsmann is looking for the positive and told reporters: “I’m not worried about injuries. We’ve had so many that we’re used to having complicated line-ups. Injuries teach us to improvise”.

Forget Saturday’s defeat

However, injury problems are not the only concern. The 5-1 pasting suffered against Wolfsburg on Saturday pushed Bayern down into fourth place in the Bundesliga. Bayern midfielder Schweinsteiger believes it is necessary to forget all about that defeat. “It doesn’t make sense to think about any more. We have to concentrate and just focus on Barça”.

Indeed, Schweinsteiger thinks the tie could be a great opportunity to kick start Bayern’s season: “We’re out of the Cup but if we beat Barça we have a chance in the league and the Champions League. Munich is dreaming of the Champions League”.