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Bayern Munich’s James Rodriguez scored for the first time since October when he found the back of the net against Wolfsburg on Saturday during a dominant 6-0 victory for Die Roten. While the goal certainly provides some confidence to the Colombian star, the 27-year-old will not rest on his laurels as a Champions League showdown with Liverpool awaits.
In an interview with FCBayern.com, James reference how tough Liverpool is and thinks the first leg at Anfield showed just how potent Jurgen Klopp’s attack can be.
A dangerous one! I think we have to be very careful. Their counters are very fast. But I think we have every chance of making it into the next round. We have to play a perfect game at home to go through. Liverpool have very fast players, they feel comfortable when you give them space. That’s why we have to be very focused, highly motivated and play a good game.
With regard to the players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino who feature for Liverpool’s offense, James was very respectful.
They’re all players with great quality, you can’t focus on just one. They’re all very good and that’s why we have to work together as a group to eliminate them and get through.
Even with the admiration he displayed for Liverpool’s players, James is confident and expecting a tremendous experience at the Allianz Arena.
I always have faith and I always want to win. I always want to play in the Champions League and so I hope that we do well and progress. That’s what we all want. I expect that the fans in the arena will support us strongly and drive us forward so that we can feel good and give everything we have.
What role James plays is still up for debate. It is expected that James will be the starting attacking midfielder in front of a double-pivot featuring Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez. Leon Goretzka, however, has made a strong case for consideration given his performances over the past three months. How Niko Kovac aligns his troops will surely be of interest to all of the Bayern faithful, but we would expect the Colombian to start the contest.