“Kroos is sure Real will win, but I think we'll give them a scare”
"We have to defend well, but we have to do more than that as well because Madrid are used to playing against teams that sit back."
Did you see the Clásico?
Yeah, I watched it on television. Barcelona are the strongest team in the world and our opponents [Real Madrid] gave a good image of themselves because they played very well. But in Wolfsburg we saw a different game. Barcelona had 65 percent possession or more, but here Madrid will want to have the ball.
Was it scary watching the match?
No [laughs], it’s football and there isn’t any fear, nor are we scared. We’re happy to have the opportunity to play against Real Madrid. We just have to do better than we have in our last few games.
You’re 34 points behind Bayern and 29 behind Dortmund. What’s happened this season?
We’re not doing well in the league. But in Europe we’ve been up to the task this season and we beat Manchester United, for example.
What do you think of the BBC?
BBC? Ah [laughs]. We’ll see them in Wolfsburg on Wednesday. It’s normal that they have great forwards because Madrid is one of the best teams in the world. For me, Benzema is a striker who is close to perfection and he’s very dangerous.
Would you take the BBC or the MSN?
These six players are the most dangerous in the world. The BBC is much better though because we’re playing against them [laughs].
What do you have to against Madrid to spring a surprise?
We have to defend well, but we have to do more than that as well because Madrid are used to playing against teams that sit back to protect the back four.
Would it constitute a miracle for Wolfsburg to go through?
I think it would be more appropriate to talk about a dream because when you play football there aren’t any miracles, you just have to give the best you can so that those dreams can come true.
Do you think Zidane will be as good a coach as he was a player?
I don’t know, that’s not a question for me to answer. I know Zidane and the Galactico era with Raúl and Figo. He knows football inside out and he was a great player. He has good players at Madrid. They have all of the ingredients to do something special in the Champions League.
Do you remember a Madrid game from when you were young?
The final of the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen and the volley by Zidane, and also the goal scored by my friend Raúl.
You played together at Schalke. What memories do you have?
He is one of the best players who I have ever played with. His time at Real Madrid was incredible, and the same at Schalke. He had a lot of influence on our teammates. I’m sure he’ll be watching the game.
What did you learn from him?
A lot, and not just football. He’s 38, no? He was very knowledgeable off the pitch as well. He is one of the best strikers that I have met and I tried to learn from him every day. It was an honour to play with Raúl.
What was the best piece of advice he gave you?
The best? I asked him once about one-on-ones with the keeper because he’s great at chipping the ball. He told me key to being able to lift the ball over the keeper when he’s coming out at you.
You’re a coveted player in Europe and it was a surprise that you didn’t go to the Premier League. Why did you choose Wolfsburg?
I needed a change. I’d been at Schalke for a long time and for me the move was an attractive one because I wanted to stay in the Bundesliga. I’m happy and glad I made the decision I did.
Have you spoken to Toni Kroos about the game?
He’s pretty sure he knows what is going to happen in the tie and they are going to go through, but I think if we can raise our level we can give them a scare…