With their Round of 16 matchup even with a 0-0 score from the first leg, Spanish coach Jose Guardiola asked his players not to think too highly of themselves when they host Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. The former Barcelona is aware of his opponent's strenghts, and wishes his players concentrate on tomorrow's match rather than thinking about what's next for them.
"Shakthar has the same quality as the top Bundesliga teams. If they played here, they would be title contenders. If we give their strikers enough room to run, then we will be in trouble. They have top-class players and we must guard them carefully," Guardiola stated.
With a comfortable win in the Bundesliga standings, Guardiola knows their main goal now is to make it to the next round of the UEFA Champions League. The Catalunyan boss is aware that, if his team loses tomorrow, his job would be at stake.
"I know what will happen if we don't make it through. Bayern is a great club and the results you give to the club have to match what's expected. I know the current situation we are in, but it would be a huge problem for us if we don't win tomorrow. I'm still a young coach, but these sort of thing could end up being too hard to endure," the coach added.
Bayern must win the match tomorrow in order to advance, since any draw would give Shakhtar the chance to oust the German champions. The Bavarian side will not have Xabi Alonso available after being red-carded during the first leg.
