Melbourne: England's Ian Gould and Pakistan's Aleem Dar will be the on-field umpires for the India-Bangladesh cricket World Cup quarterfinal to be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Thursday.
Australians Steve Davis and Paul Reiffel will officiate as the third and fourth umpires while Roshan Mahanama of Sri Lanka will be the match referee, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday.
The ICC also announced officials for the other three quarterfinals.
The first one between Sri Lanka and South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Wednesday will be officiated by Rod Tucker and Nigel Llong (on-field), Richard Kettleborough (third umpire), Bruce Oxenford (fourth umpire) and David Boon (match referee).
Friday's Australia vs Pakistan last eight match at the Adelaide Oval will be umpired by Marais Erasmus and Kumar Dharmasena (on-field), Richard Illingworth (third umpire), Billy Bowden (fourth umpire) and Ranjan Madugalle (match referee).
The only quarterfinal in New Zealand at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday between the Black Caps and West Indies will be officiated by Richard Kettleborough and Bruce Oxenford (on-field), Rod Tucker (third umpire), Nigel Llong (fourth umpire) and Chris Broad (match referee).
Source: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/icc-world-cup-2015-ian-gould-aleem-dar-to-officiate-india-bangladesh-quarterfinal_1562433.html
Monday, March 16, 2015
Cricket World Cup 2015: Sri Lanka's Herath likely to be fit to face Proteas
Sri Lanka's front-line spinner Rangana Herath is recovering well and looks likely to face South Africa in Wednesday's World Cup quarter-final at the SCG , chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said on Monday.
Herath, 36, split the webbing between two fingers on his bowling hand trying to take a return chance off Jos Buttler in a thumping defeat of England on March 1.
The left-armer missed the last two pool matches against Australia and Scotland but the stitches have been removed from the wound and he will be given until training on Tuesday to prove his fitness.
"Rangana is recovering fast and I hope he will be alright," Jayasuriya told reporters beside the nets at the SCG.
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"The stitches have been taken off and he'll be ready for the match. That's what I'm thinking, it will depend on today and tomorrow, probably tomorrow."
The Sri Lankans have been bedevilled by injury problems at this World Cup but all-rounder Angelo Matthews has recovered from an Achilles issue and will lead the side on Wednesday.
Leg-spinning all-rounder Seekkuge Prasanna was brought into the squad, effectively as a stand-in for Rangana, and took 1-77 in the loss to Australia last week at the SCG, a ground which has a tradition of providing some turn for spinners.
Rangana has taken three wickets at a cost of 49 runs in his previous two ODI matches at the SCG but Jayasuriya said spin bowling would not necessarily be crucial to Sri Lanka's chances of reaching the semi-finals for the fourth straight World Cup.
"We have fast bowlers, we have spinners, we don't have any concrete plans, we'll just stick to the basics," he said.
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2015-sri-lankas-herath-likely-to-be-fit-to-face-proteas-20150316-1m05x8.html
Herath, 36, split the webbing between two fingers on his bowling hand trying to take a return chance off Jos Buttler in a thumping defeat of England on March 1.
The left-armer missed the last two pool matches against Australia and Scotland but the stitches have been removed from the wound and he will be given until training on Tuesday to prove his fitness.
"Rangana is recovering fast and I hope he will be alright," Jayasuriya told reporters beside the nets at the SCG.
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"The stitches have been taken off and he'll be ready for the match. That's what I'm thinking, it will depend on today and tomorrow, probably tomorrow."
The Sri Lankans have been bedevilled by injury problems at this World Cup but all-rounder Angelo Matthews has recovered from an Achilles issue and will lead the side on Wednesday.
Leg-spinning all-rounder Seekkuge Prasanna was brought into the squad, effectively as a stand-in for Rangana, and took 1-77 in the loss to Australia last week at the SCG, a ground which has a tradition of providing some turn for spinners.
Rangana has taken three wickets at a cost of 49 runs in his previous two ODI matches at the SCG but Jayasuriya said spin bowling would not necessarily be crucial to Sri Lanka's chances of reaching the semi-finals for the fourth straight World Cup.
"We have fast bowlers, we have spinners, we don't have any concrete plans, we'll just stick to the basics," he said.
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2015-sri-lankas-herath-likely-to-be-fit-to-face-proteas-20150316-1m05x8.html
Uefa Champions League: Goal-shy Atletico Madrid seek home comfort
Madrid: Atletico Madrid will once again have to rely on their formidable home form as they look to overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit against Bayer Leverkusen to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Last season’s beaten finalists have failed to win a game since falling to Hakan Calhanoglu’s stunning strike at the Bay Arena three weeks ago.
However, they have won 20 of their last 22 European games at the Vicente Calderon, including wins in all three of their group games earlier this season without conceding a goal.
Another clean sheet is likely to be in order if Diego Simeone’s men are to progress to the last eight, with goals of their own in short supply in recent weeks.
Since thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 last month, Los Rojiblancos have found the net just once in their last four games.
“In football, there are moments in a season where sometimes you are more deadly in front of goal than others. Sometimes the goal comes easily and other times you have loads of good chances and it doesn’t go in,” Simeone said after Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Espanyol.
“We need to keep going, roll up our sleeves and work hard because that is the only way we know how to improve.”
Simeone will also be without two of his most experienced campaigners in Diego Godin and Tiago through suspension.
However, top scorer Mario Mandzukic is expected to return to the starting line-up for the first time since defeat in Leverkusen in place of Fernando Torres.
In contrast to Atletico’s slump in form, Leverkusen come into the game full of confidence having won their last five games without conceding a goal.
The Germans could even have put the tie to bed at home with a series of promising counter-attacks that lacked the final finish.
Captain Simon Rolfes, though, is backing his side to get the away goal that would go a long way to sealing their place in the last eight for the first time since they reached the final in 2002.
“We need to tick off the last few games and concentrate on Atletico. If we stand up for each other, then we also have a good chance in Madrid.
“We are always good for a goal away from home, but it’s just as important that we don’t concede one.”
The first meeting between the two was a feisty affair with 10 yellow cards, a red for Tiago and a bust up between the two coaching staffs.
And Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt believes his side will need to keep a cool head in the cauldron like atmosphere in the Spanish capital.
“We need a super game, but we’ll head down there with a lot of self confidence for the second leg,” he said.
“We’re still the underdogs, but we’ve shown that we have a good chance.
“There will be a lot of emotions in the stadium, so we know we’ll have to keep cool heads in order to make the right decisions.”
Source: http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uefa-champions-league-goal-shy-atletico-madrid-seek-home-comfort-1.1472485
Last season’s beaten finalists have failed to win a game since falling to Hakan Calhanoglu’s stunning strike at the Bay Arena three weeks ago.
However, they have won 20 of their last 22 European games at the Vicente Calderon, including wins in all three of their group games earlier this season without conceding a goal.
Another clean sheet is likely to be in order if Diego Simeone’s men are to progress to the last eight, with goals of their own in short supply in recent weeks.
Since thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 last month, Los Rojiblancos have found the net just once in their last four games.
“In football, there are moments in a season where sometimes you are more deadly in front of goal than others. Sometimes the goal comes easily and other times you have loads of good chances and it doesn’t go in,” Simeone said after Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Espanyol.
“We need to keep going, roll up our sleeves and work hard because that is the only way we know how to improve.”
Simeone will also be without two of his most experienced campaigners in Diego Godin and Tiago through suspension.
However, top scorer Mario Mandzukic is expected to return to the starting line-up for the first time since defeat in Leverkusen in place of Fernando Torres.
In contrast to Atletico’s slump in form, Leverkusen come into the game full of confidence having won their last five games without conceding a goal.
The Germans could even have put the tie to bed at home with a series of promising counter-attacks that lacked the final finish.
Captain Simon Rolfes, though, is backing his side to get the away goal that would go a long way to sealing their place in the last eight for the first time since they reached the final in 2002.
“We need to tick off the last few games and concentrate on Atletico. If we stand up for each other, then we also have a good chance in Madrid.
“We are always good for a goal away from home, but it’s just as important that we don’t concede one.”
The first meeting between the two was a feisty affair with 10 yellow cards, a red for Tiago and a bust up between the two coaching staffs.
And Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt believes his side will need to keep a cool head in the cauldron like atmosphere in the Spanish capital.
“We need a super game, but we’ll head down there with a lot of self confidence for the second leg,” he said.
“We’re still the underdogs, but we’ve shown that we have a good chance.
“There will be a lot of emotions in the stadium, so we know we’ll have to keep cool heads in order to make the right decisions.”
Source: http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uefa-champions-league-goal-shy-atletico-madrid-seek-home-comfort-1.1472485
Uefa Champions League: Arsenal confident of beating Monaco — Olivier Giroud
London: Olivier Giroud described football as “an everlasting new beginning” over the weekend but, if there was ever one ending that he must yearn to script, it is surely Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Monaco on Tuesday night.
“We can go there and create something special,” claimed Arsene Wenger after a 3-0 win against West Ham United on Saturday that mirrors the scoreline his team now need on the Cote d’Azur following their 3-1 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates.
History suggests that Arsenal will need something of a fairytale as no club has overcome an equivalent first leg deficit in Champions League history, but there are reasons for hope.
Arsenal have now won 19 of their past 24 matches and, after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, have ended the week within a point of Manchester City in the Premier League.
For Giroud, it is now 11 goals in 16 games. But Wenger says he was never concerned for the resilience of a player who was playing in the lower divisions of the French league just five years ago.
“There are always tough moments,” said Giroud. “You have to question yourself every week and bounce back. Football is a sport where you need to have a strong mentality. I know when I play well or not. I think we learned from our mistakes and we will go to Monaco with a lot of confidence.”
Wenger has since sat down and analysed those mistakes with the players. He believes that kamikaze attacking was Arsenal’s problem rather than complacency.
“We knew that we were impatient and threw ourselves forward too much,” said Wenger. “I think we wanted it too much. We forgot our basics. What you want in life is the chance to put it right. Sometimes you make a big mistake and there’s no comeback. We have the opportunity.”
It might sound like straw clutching but, from their recent experience in the Champions League of almost overturning big first leg deficits, Arsenal know that Monaco will be unsure how to approach Tuesday’s game.
Wenger sought to underline that psychological dilemma when asked if the pressure would be on his old club. “They’ve already won it, they can still lose it,” he said.
Team selection will clearly be vital and, after Aaron Ramsey scored for the first time in 2015, Wenger must decide whether to recall Santi Cazorla. Theo Walcott must also be struggling to retain his place after missing a series of first-half chances against West Ham.
Source: http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uefa-champions-league-arsenal-confident-of-beating-monaco-olivier-giroud-1.1472549
“We can go there and create something special,” claimed Arsene Wenger after a 3-0 win against West Ham United on Saturday that mirrors the scoreline his team now need on the Cote d’Azur following their 3-1 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates.
History suggests that Arsenal will need something of a fairytale as no club has overcome an equivalent first leg deficit in Champions League history, but there are reasons for hope.
Arsenal have now won 19 of their past 24 matches and, after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, have ended the week within a point of Manchester City in the Premier League.
For Giroud, it is now 11 goals in 16 games. But Wenger says he was never concerned for the resilience of a player who was playing in the lower divisions of the French league just five years ago.
“There are always tough moments,” said Giroud. “You have to question yourself every week and bounce back. Football is a sport where you need to have a strong mentality. I know when I play well or not. I think we learned from our mistakes and we will go to Monaco with a lot of confidence.”
Wenger has since sat down and analysed those mistakes with the players. He believes that kamikaze attacking was Arsenal’s problem rather than complacency.
“We knew that we were impatient and threw ourselves forward too much,” said Wenger. “I think we wanted it too much. We forgot our basics. What you want in life is the chance to put it right. Sometimes you make a big mistake and there’s no comeback. We have the opportunity.”
It might sound like straw clutching but, from their recent experience in the Champions League of almost overturning big first leg deficits, Arsenal know that Monaco will be unsure how to approach Tuesday’s game.
Wenger sought to underline that psychological dilemma when asked if the pressure would be on his old club. “They’ve already won it, they can still lose it,” he said.
Team selection will clearly be vital and, after Aaron Ramsey scored for the first time in 2015, Wenger must decide whether to recall Santi Cazorla. Theo Walcott must also be struggling to retain his place after missing a series of first-half chances against West Ham.
Source: http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uefa-champions-league-arsenal-confident-of-beating-monaco-olivier-giroud-1.1472549
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain preview
José Mourinho, Chelsea manager
We will try to win. When you are losing 3-1 from the first leg you are on the limit of risk. If you concede one goal you are in big trouble. You know you have to score a minimum of three. Tomorrow is different. The result has a complete balance, but we are trying to win.
[Our experience] helps us to sleep well tonight. You feel comfortable to play if it's something you do a lot of times. It's one more game, in spite of being a knockout game and the second leg, so you're calm. But during the game the players play. You are speaking about teams with very good players, some of them very comfortable playing at this level. I think it's more about them.
Champions League, in the knockouts, you need a bit of luck in the details in specific moments. To score a goal in the last minute, even if you do a lot to try to be lucky, it's a lucky detail. Last season we had that. If somebody tomorrow has to be a little bit magic, it's the crowd. We played a semi-final here against Liverpool a few weeks ago and it was fantastic. The crowd was extra. So, the same way in Paris we had a fantastic stadium supporting the home team – hopefully tomorrow we can have that in our favour.
©Getty Images
Laurent Blanc, Paris coach
[Victory] would change our perception in France, but also across Europe and maybe with you guys, the press. But we still need to do that. It's easy to talk about, but harder to go out and do it. We're halfway through a two-legged tie. Chelsea have a slight advantage with the away goal, so our aim is to do what Chelsea did in Paris and get through. We'll prepare well. We know what we will be going to do. Chelsea have to work out a balance between attacking and defending. That's their problem. But we know we have to score at least one goal to qualify.
We just prepare normally. Maybe you go into greater detail than for other games, but these are opponents we know better than last year. Nothing will change in terms of the way we train. But there is plenty that is said behind closed doors. To progress, you need experence. Paris have more experience [ than last year] but we're still off what Chelsea have. They took a while to get where they are – and invested heavily. It takes time to become one of the top five or six sides in Europe. That is the process Paris have embarked upon.
We don't have a choice. The first-leg result is what it is. As things stand, once this match starts, we're going out because Chelsea have the away goal. We have to come out and look to qualify. There were some encouraging signs in the first leg. We know we played better than them in that first leg. I have been frank about that. But we know Chelsea can play better tomorrow.
We have to attack and score, regardless of whether Chelsea score, and to be clever and try to play our game. One of Chelsea's main weapons is that they are good on the counterattack, so we can't go gung-ho. We have to be solid and take our chances. I hope we do better than Chelsea did in the first leg, where Chelsea created only one chance and scored from that.
Chelsea start with a slight advantage and we have to take some risks but not too many. We've only had the first act of this tie. Now we need to stand up and be counted, but also stay in the game. We need to stay solid as well as attack and create chances.
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014413/prematch/preview/
We will try to win. When you are losing 3-1 from the first leg you are on the limit of risk. If you concede one goal you are in big trouble. You know you have to score a minimum of three. Tomorrow is different. The result has a complete balance, but we are trying to win.
[Our experience] helps us to sleep well tonight. You feel comfortable to play if it's something you do a lot of times. It's one more game, in spite of being a knockout game and the second leg, so you're calm. But during the game the players play. You are speaking about teams with very good players, some of them very comfortable playing at this level. I think it's more about them.
Champions League, in the knockouts, you need a bit of luck in the details in specific moments. To score a goal in the last minute, even if you do a lot to try to be lucky, it's a lucky detail. Last season we had that. If somebody tomorrow has to be a little bit magic, it's the crowd. We played a semi-final here against Liverpool a few weeks ago and it was fantastic. The crowd was extra. So, the same way in Paris we had a fantastic stadium supporting the home team – hopefully tomorrow we can have that in our favour.
©Getty Images
Laurent Blanc, Paris coach
[Victory] would change our perception in France, but also across Europe and maybe with you guys, the press. But we still need to do that. It's easy to talk about, but harder to go out and do it. We're halfway through a two-legged tie. Chelsea have a slight advantage with the away goal, so our aim is to do what Chelsea did in Paris and get through. We'll prepare well. We know what we will be going to do. Chelsea have to work out a balance between attacking and defending. That's their problem. But we know we have to score at least one goal to qualify.
We just prepare normally. Maybe you go into greater detail than for other games, but these are opponents we know better than last year. Nothing will change in terms of the way we train. But there is plenty that is said behind closed doors. To progress, you need experence. Paris have more experience [ than last year] but we're still off what Chelsea have. They took a while to get where they are – and invested heavily. It takes time to become one of the top five or six sides in Europe. That is the process Paris have embarked upon.
We don't have a choice. The first-leg result is what it is. As things stand, once this match starts, we're going out because Chelsea have the away goal. We have to come out and look to qualify. There were some encouraging signs in the first leg. We know we played better than them in that first leg. I have been frank about that. But we know Chelsea can play better tomorrow.
We have to attack and score, regardless of whether Chelsea score, and to be clever and try to play our game. One of Chelsea's main weapons is that they are good on the counterattack, so we can't go gung-ho. We have to be solid and take our chances. I hope we do better than Chelsea did in the first leg, where Chelsea created only one chance and scored from that.
Chelsea start with a slight advantage and we have to take some risks but not too many. We've only had the first act of this tie. Now we need to stand up and be counted, but also stay in the game. We need to stay solid as well as attack and create chances.
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014413/prematch/preview/
Thursday, March 5, 2015
UEFA to sell 46,000 Champions League final tickets to public
Around one third of the 70,500 tickets for this year's Champions League final in Berlin will be reserved for football officials, sponsors and corporate hospitality, UEFA said on Tuesday.
European football's governing body said 20,000 tickets would be allocated to supporters of each of the two finalists, with another 6,000 going on sale to neutral fans via UEFA's website.
The UEFA Champions League trophy
The UEFA Champions League trophy
"As usual, fans and the general public are being allocated the majority of the tickets for the final," UEFA said in a statement.
"The remaining tickets are allocated to the local organising committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters, and to serve the corporate hospitality programme."
UEFA said prices for the match at the Olympiastadion on June 6 would range from 70 euros (50 pounds) for category four tickets to 390 euros for category one.
Source: http://www.firstpost.com/sports/uefa-sell-46000-champions-league-final-tickets-public-2137711.html
European football's governing body said 20,000 tickets would be allocated to supporters of each of the two finalists, with another 6,000 going on sale to neutral fans via UEFA's website.
The UEFA Champions League trophy
The UEFA Champions League trophy
"As usual, fans and the general public are being allocated the majority of the tickets for the final," UEFA said in a statement.
"The remaining tickets are allocated to the local organising committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters, and to serve the corporate hospitality programme."
UEFA said prices for the match at the Olympiastadion on June 6 would range from 70 euros (50 pounds) for category four tickets to 390 euros for category one.
Source: http://www.firstpost.com/sports/uefa-sell-46000-champions-league-final-tickets-public-2137711.html
Kroos on Real Madrid, Ancelotti and new role
After eight years with FC Bayern München, German international Toni Kroos switched to Real Madrid CF in the summer and is enjoying his new environs.
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Of course, the highlight of my career at this level was winning the tournament with Bayern, and I will try to repeat that success with Madrid
Toni Kroos
”
Arriving as a FIFA World Cup winner at the reigning European champions, Kroos was moved into a more defensive midfield role by coach Carlo Ancelotti. The 25-year-old has responded with a series of flawless displays, including in the 2-0 victory at FC Schalke 04 that leaves Madrid in an enviable position for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg.
Kroos sat down with UEFA.com to discuss life at Madrid, working alongside Ancelotti and his aim for another European club title in Berlin in June.
UEFA.com: How would you sum up your start at Real Madrid?
Toni Kroos: It has been a good start for me. I have been here a while now, so [my start] is in the past. It's gone well from the off. For the time being, we are first in our league and still in the race for the Champions League, and I hope we will be successful. As far as I am concerned, I hope to contribute to that success.
UEFA.com: One quality that is impossible to overlook with you is confidence. It comes across in your play and in the way you handle the media. What do you put that down to?
Kroos: We all have a different temperament. I just draw my confidence from my own qualities. I know what I'm capable of – that's where most of my confidence comes from.
UEFA.com: Carlo Ancelotti has put a lot of faith in you – he made it a priority to sign you. And since you've joined he's described you as 'a professor'. Tell us about your relationship with him.
Kroos enjoys working with Carlo Ancelotti
Kroos: He trusted me from the beginning in a position where I hadn't played that much, which was nonetheless in midfield. I enjoy playing in this position. Our relationship is good. We communicate a lot before each game. We discuss how I have to approach each game according to the opponent we're facing. I still don't know every team that well, which is normal. But he tries to fill in the gaps.
He's also one of the reasons I came here – I think it's normal to talk with the coach before taking that step. He gave me a positive impression and told me Madrid would be even stronger with me in their ranks. It was obviously a good conversation.
UEFA.com: How would you define your role as a midfielder? You show great instinct, decisiveness, finesse and vision. How are those different attributes balanced in your game?
Kroos: Playing in midfield is difficult nowadays – you have to be versatile, be good on and off the ball. You have to defend well, build up the attack and be good at winning individual battles. These positions are hard to master, and I'm trying to integrate all that into my game, I'm trying to get rid of my weaknesses. I know I can make further progress. I think I am on the right track.
Kroos (left) celebrates Madrid's second goal at Schalke
UEFA.com: Tell us about the part the UEFA Champions League has played in your career? Since making your debut as an 18 year-old for Bayern against Fiorentina, you've really grown as a player in the competition.
Kroos: Yes, this competition is always brilliant, especially when you reach the knockout stages. At this point, the games are tight and you meet the best teams in Europe. The greatest challenge is to show what you can do season in, season out in the competition."Of course, the highlight of my career at this level was winning the tournament with Bayern, and I will try to repeat that success with Madrid".
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014415/prematch/focus/
Related Items
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Download our podcast
Of course, the highlight of my career at this level was winning the tournament with Bayern, and I will try to repeat that success with Madrid
Toni Kroos
”
Arriving as a FIFA World Cup winner at the reigning European champions, Kroos was moved into a more defensive midfield role by coach Carlo Ancelotti. The 25-year-old has responded with a series of flawless displays, including in the 2-0 victory at FC Schalke 04 that leaves Madrid in an enviable position for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg.
Kroos sat down with UEFA.com to discuss life at Madrid, working alongside Ancelotti and his aim for another European club title in Berlin in June.
UEFA.com: How would you sum up your start at Real Madrid?
Toni Kroos: It has been a good start for me. I have been here a while now, so [my start] is in the past. It's gone well from the off. For the time being, we are first in our league and still in the race for the Champions League, and I hope we will be successful. As far as I am concerned, I hope to contribute to that success.
UEFA.com: One quality that is impossible to overlook with you is confidence. It comes across in your play and in the way you handle the media. What do you put that down to?
Kroos: We all have a different temperament. I just draw my confidence from my own qualities. I know what I'm capable of – that's where most of my confidence comes from.
UEFA.com: Carlo Ancelotti has put a lot of faith in you – he made it a priority to sign you. And since you've joined he's described you as 'a professor'. Tell us about your relationship with him.
Kroos enjoys working with Carlo Ancelotti
Kroos: He trusted me from the beginning in a position where I hadn't played that much, which was nonetheless in midfield. I enjoy playing in this position. Our relationship is good. We communicate a lot before each game. We discuss how I have to approach each game according to the opponent we're facing. I still don't know every team that well, which is normal. But he tries to fill in the gaps.
He's also one of the reasons I came here – I think it's normal to talk with the coach before taking that step. He gave me a positive impression and told me Madrid would be even stronger with me in their ranks. It was obviously a good conversation.
UEFA.com: How would you define your role as a midfielder? You show great instinct, decisiveness, finesse and vision. How are those different attributes balanced in your game?
Kroos: Playing in midfield is difficult nowadays – you have to be versatile, be good on and off the ball. You have to defend well, build up the attack and be good at winning individual battles. These positions are hard to master, and I'm trying to integrate all that into my game, I'm trying to get rid of my weaknesses. I know I can make further progress. I think I am on the right track.
Kroos (left) celebrates Madrid's second goal at Schalke
UEFA.com: Tell us about the part the UEFA Champions League has played in your career? Since making your debut as an 18 year-old for Bayern against Fiorentina, you've really grown as a player in the competition.
Kroos: Yes, this competition is always brilliant, especially when you reach the knockout stages. At this point, the games are tight and you meet the best teams in Europe. The greatest challenge is to show what you can do season in, season out in the competition."Of course, the highlight of my career at this level was winning the tournament with Bayern, and I will try to repeat that success with Madrid".
Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014415/prematch/focus/
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