"We would be well advised to show the opposition the utmost respect”

Time for the Champions League!

Before our boys take on Young Boys on Tuesday (Kick-off: 18:45 CEST), there were still two important things scheduled for Monday: the final training session ahead of the game and the press conference with Marco Rose and Kevin Kampl.

Marco Rose on...

...their opponents Young Boys

• “We want to come out on top against a team who are very dominant in their domestic league and who will also benefit from having their own fans’ support. They play direct football and also don’t make things easy for you with their pressing.
  
  In addition, they have multiple players who are 1.90m or taller, which is key when it comes to set-piece situations. There are some challenges that we need to deal with, but we need to implement our own game plan above all.”
   

...the opposition’s quality

• “Young Boys have already shown their international quality on multiple occasions. They have previously beaten Man United at home and have a number of international players within their ranks.
  
  They are a team who want to showcase their ability and we would be well advised to show the opposition the utmost respect. However, that is always the case for us. The goal is to start well in the group stages.”

...Kevin Kampl and his fitness

• “If Kevin didn’t feel quite right, then he would tell me. He feels good and he’s ready! He’s currently a very important asset for us due to his vision, his footballing ability and his willingness to work hard out of possession.”
   

Marco Rose on...

...the in-form Xavi Simons

• “He’s an outstanding player with lots of quality and top prospects. If he gains experience and can stay fit, then he could become even more of a complete package. He’s a good example of the type of football we want to play and he’s perhaps a little like a young version of Kampl.
  
  He also knows that there’s still more for him to learn – that’s a character trait that he can still develop. He’s already an excellent player – that needs to be mentioned!”

...Young Boys’ habit of scoring in the last 15 minutes

• “I have watched games in which they’ve scored very early. We aren’t preparing for the final quarter of an hour, but for the whole game. However, we know that it’s important to maintain our concentration until the end of matches.”

...how well Young Boys would do in the Bundesliga

• “That’s a tough question. I was previously the head coach in Salzburg and that’s a similar set-up. Young Boys also have a really good team and have multiple players who have already played in the Bundesliga. It’s difficult for me to say where they would finish in the Bundesliga.”
   

Kevin Kampl on...

...the challenge that the Champions League represents

• “There’s hardly anything more beautiful than hearing the Champions League anthem. We would all like to progress into the knockouts, so we need to pick up points in order to do that. It’s imperative that we pick up points against Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade, especially given that Man City, the current holders, are in our group.”

...visiting the city of Bern

• “There’s not much time for anything other than football. I’ve heard that Bern is an extremely beautiful city, whilst family members have been before, but we don’t have any time for sightseeing unfortunately. We are fully concentrated on the game.”

...wearing the captain’s armband in Willi Orbán’s absence

• “Of course, I’d rather have Willi playing and for him to be captain because he’s important for us both as a guy and as a player. I’m taking on the responsibility and will try to give my best both on and off the pitch. I’m always in contact with him and we speak about these things.”
  
  It’s certainly nothing new for me as I’ve worn the armband before. However, I’m naturally pleased to have the team’s and the coach’s trust.”

...playing on artificial grass

• “It won’t matter what surface we’re playing on if we play well.”