Rock’n’roll Klopp out to silence Wenger’s Arsenal

Dortmund coach looking to build on previous win in tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash

DORTMUND: Borussia Dortmund’s heavy metal-loving coach Jurgen Klopp has said he wants his team to make another loud statement in today’s Champions League clash at home to Arsenal.

Dortmund pulled off an impressive 2-1 win over the Gunners at London’s Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago with striker Robert Lewandowski netting the late winner.

Klopp’s side are now looking to complete the double over Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, but the Borussia manager is full of praise for his opposite number.

“When you look at Arsenal over the last ten years, they have always played almost perfect football,” said Klopp. “Arsenal have a philosophy from Arsene Wenger, I love that, but I can’t coach that way, I am different.

“He likes to have the ball and play football, passing the ball around. It’s like an orchestra, but they play a silent song. I like heavy metal, I always want it to be loud.”

Mourinho wants backlash against Schalke

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has called for an immediate response from his players against Schalke in the Champions League following their unscheduled defeat at Newcastle United.

Chelsea will be bidding to repair its home record in European competition, having seen a 29-game unbeaten run in the Champions League group phase ended by Basel in their opening Group E fixture.

“We are in a stable position to qualify, but if we lose again we are in a difficult position,” said Mourinho. “I will make changes. Not 11 changes because that would be too much, but changes for sure.”

Chelsea have not lost at home to a German team in six previous encounters, but Schalke may take heart from the London club’s curious habit of struggling for form in November.

Pedro expecting Messi magic for Milan clash

Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez believes Lionel Messi’s uncharacteristic La Liga goal drought is nothing to worry about ahead of his side’s encounter with AC Milan today.

“There is nothing wrong with him, he is training very well and very strongly,” said Pedro. “Leo is always an ambitious player who wants to score a lot of goals. He looks fine to me, the goals will arrive.

“He is working hard and also assisting his teammates, which might go unnoticed. I think he is very calm because he knows the goals will come and everything will be fine.”

Barca are currently the group leaders on seven points after three games, and a win today will guarantee their place in the last-16.
TODAY'S FIXTURES


Zenit v FC Porto
Ajax v Celtic
A Madrid v Austria Vienna
Barcelona v AC Milan
Basel v S Bucuresti
Dortmund v Arsenal
Chelsea v Schalke
Napoli v Marseille