In the first leg of the last 16 match against Shakhtar Donetsk three weeks ago, Holger Badstuber made his Champions League comeback after a lengthy spell out injured. The Bayern Munich centre back came on for international team mate Thomas Müller in the 70th minute and helped secure the 0-0 draw.
In the run up to this evening’s Champions League second leg fixture (20:45 CET), Badstuber has hit a good run of form. In the 3-1 win over Hannover 96, the 25 year old was convincing, having the most touches of the ball (126) and the second best tackle success rate (83%). In an interview with DFB.de Badstuber spoke about the game against Donestk, his recent form and a potential return to the national side.
DFB.de: Mr Badstuber, compared to the3-1 win against Hannover, does there need to be an improvement in the performance in order to beat Shakhtar Donetsk?
Badstuber: It will be a completely different game against Shakhtar. It was a difficult match in Hannover. We couldn’t play the way we wanted to because our opponents played very deep. I don’t think that will be the case tonight. In any case, the Champions League is something completely different. It was, however, a good warm up for the Shakhtar game. We can approach it now with a win behind us and that is very important for a game like this.
DFB.de: Will the mentality of the team be a crucial factor against Donetsk?
Badstuber: It’s one aspect. Against Hannover that was one of the reasons we won. The immediate equaliser was very good for us. After that we were able to take control of the game and then the second half was quite straightforward for us. In the end we were made to work hard for the win but we deserved it.
DFB.de: In your opinion, how is the balance at the moment, in either the three or four man defence?
Badstuber: It’s important that we talk. When we do that it makes things a lot easier for us at the back. In Hannover it worked well in the second half and we gave away very few chances. But we need to do this all the time give our opponents as little space as possible.
In the first leg of the last 16 match against Shakhtar Donetsk three weeks ago, Holger Badstuber made his Champions League comeback after a lengthy spell out injured. The Bayern Munich centre back came on for international team mate Thomas Müller in the 70th minute and helped secure the 0-0 draw.
In the run up to this evening’s Champions League second leg fixture (20:45 CET), Badstuber has hit a good run of form. In the 3-1 win over Hannover 96, the 25 year old was convincing, having the most touches of the ball (126) and the second best tackle success rate (83%). In an interview with DFB.de Badstuber spoke about the game against Donestk, his recent form and a potential return to the national side.
DFB.de: Mr Badstuber, compared to the3-1 win against Hannover, does there need to be an improvement in the performance in order to beat Shakhtar Donetsk?
Badstuber: It will be a completely different game against Shakhtar. It was a difficult match in Hannover. We couldn’t play the way we wanted to because our opponents played very deep. I don’t think that will be the case tonight. In any case, the Champions League is something completely different. It was, however, a good warm up for the Shakhtar game. We can approach it now with a win behind us and that is very important for a game like this.
DFB.de: Will the mentality of the team be a crucial factor against Donetsk?
Badstuber: It’s one aspect. Against Hannover that was one of the reasons we won. The immediate equaliser was very good for us. After that we were able to take control of the game and then the second half was quite straightforward for us. In the end we were made to work hard for the win but we deserved it.
DFB.de: In your opinion, how is the balance at the moment, in either the three or four man defence?
Badstuber: It’s important that we talk. When we do that it makes things a lot easier for us at the back. In Hannover it worked well in the second half and we gave away very few chances. But we need to do this all the time give our opponents as little space as possible.
DFB.de: Recently, it has been said that there is only space for two central defenders in the Bayern defence. Against Hannover we saw that it can be more...
Badstuber: Yes it has been said, but that wasn’t our interpretation, it came from elsewhere. There is always space and we need every player for all the games we need to play. Now we continue with the Champions League. For such a game we need every single player on the bench and in the dressing room.
DFB.de: Against Hannover it was the fourth consecutive match in which you have played the full 90 minutes. How are you finding things after your injury?
Badstuber: I don’t want to talk about the past forever. I’m finally back and little by little I’m feeling better, my full range of movement is coming back. The first steps are behind me, but there are still more ahead. There is always room for improvement!
DFB.de: You said you still needed to be patient before you are back to the level that you want to reach...
Badstuber: Yes, exactly. It’s not the same as the situation three years ago. I’m, older and more mature and see things differently. As such, that can also be seen from a different perspective.
DFB.de: What needs to be done differently compare to the first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk?
Badstuber: Without fail we need to score a goal. Technically the game will be completely different. Of course that won’t be easy. We are all aware that it’s the Champions League. We are focussed on that and are working hard, watching the last game again, and coming up with the right strategy to approach the game with.
DFB.de: Can the home advantage play a decisive role?
Badstuber: Definitely. That was something that was discussed when the draw was made, that we had the second match at home. Because of the 0-0 first leg, everything is very open but we have a twelfth man behind us. We want to use this advantage.
DFB.de: The aim the Champions League should be obvious...
Badstuber: We are FC Bayern. We always have ambitions and want to go as far as possible. We need to take things one step at a time
DFB.de: Speaking of one step at a time, are you hoping to add to your 30 international caps any time soon?
Badstuber: No, not at the moment. I have a lot of work do for FC Bayern ahead of me and I want to make sure I do it properly and perform well. You are picked for the national side when you can perform consistently at a high level over a long period of time. That’s where I want to be.
