Alaba: “This time, the objective is to torment Guardiola”

David Alaba didn;t have a great deal to say in his interview with Bild this week, but what he did say made an impression. The Austrian defender spoke about Pep Guardiola, who he worked under at Bayern Munich - now they will come face to face with their respective clubs in the Champions League, both eyeing a place in the final in Paris on 28 May. Alaba was full of praise for the Manchester City manager but admits that he hopes to get one over him in the semi-finals. He also had words to say about Benzema, Lewandowski and recalled the lowest point of his sporting career.

Lewandowski linked with a move to Barça: “Whatever he decides to do, I’m sure it will be the right move. One thing I can say with total certainty is that no defence would enjoy playing against him”.

Benzema: “I don’t think there is much debate about the level of form he is in right now. It’s crazy what he’s been doing this season. He was already world class, but he’s taken himself to a new level. We’re all delighted to have him in the team. A hat trick in the last 16 of the Champions League and another one in the quarter finals... That says all you need to know. I hope this isn’t his last season with us”.

Guardiola: “We haven’t been in contact recently but it will be nice to see him again. We had a great time together at Bayern. But this time I will be trying to upset him!”

Best sporting memory: “In the end, the trophies you win eclipse everything else. But, for example, I also have great memories of when we beat Barcelona 8-2. That was a game for the history books”.

Worst sporting memory: “The semi-final and final in 2012, maybe. I was booked in the semi-final, which meant I missed the final. I had to watch the final against Chelsea in Munich from the stands, that was a night I’d rather forget”.