Champions League: ‘Big players won’t miss this kind of game’

Bayern coach Guardiola certain United’s Rooney will face his side in second leg .

MUNICH:

Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola said he is sure Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney will face the holders in their Champions League quarter-final, second leg after the England striker trained on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Rooney missed United’s 4-0 win at Newcastle United on Saturday due to a toe injury, sparking fears that he could be forced to sit out Wednesday’s return leg at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

However, he took part in a light workout at United’s Carrington training centre on Tuesday morning prior to the squad’s departure for Germany, appearing to have no adverse reaction and to be in good spirits.

“Good training session with the lads ahead of the Bayern Munich match,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“It’s a massive game for us against a top side but we’ll be going in confident and looking to progress into the semi-finals.”

Patrice Evra (knee), Ryan Giggs (groin) and Ashley Young (hand) also took part despite injury concerns.

Bayern coach Guardiola is positive Rooney will play against the European champions with the Munich tie delicately poised after last Tuesday’s 1-1 draw in the first leg at Manchester’s Old Trafford.

“He will play, I am 100% sure,” said the Spaniard during Tuesday’s press conference in Munich.

“He is one of the best players I’ve seen play and the big players do not want to miss this type of game.”

Having taken charge in June, Guardiola admits failing to reach the Champions League’s semi-finals through a defeat to Manchester United would be a mistake on his behalf.

“If we don’t reach the semi-finals, it will be the coach’s mistake,” he said referring to himself.”

Adrian ready to step into Costa’s shoes: Simeone

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes bit-part striker Adrian Lopez is up to the task of replacing top scorer Diego Costa for his side’s Champions League quarter-final, second leg at home to Barcelona on Wednesday.

Costa is a major doubt for the match due to a hamstring injury that forced him off just half an hour into last week’s 1-1 draw in the first leg.

“Any player has to at least be at a minimum of 90% to play; it doesn’t matter if it is Costa, [Diego] Godin or Miranda. If he doesn’t play Adrian will.”

All four meetings between Atletico and Barca so far this season have ended in draws with both sides managing to score just twice.

Simeone admitted that his side hold a slight advantage heading into the return leg thanks to Diego’s stunning away goal at the Camp Nou.

However, the Argentine said Barca’s recent 4-3 win away to Real Madrid was a warning that this Barca side still have the ability to turn the tie in their favour with a moment of brilliance.

“There is minimal advantage for us, but given the characteristics of the Barcelona team they always play in the same manner. They want to attack and dominate the game, they never play to defend.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th, 2014.

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