Hitzfeld - Pitch is the key

Bayern boss confident of second leg success

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 20th February 2008

bayern munich ottmar hitzfeld

Hitzfeld: Confident ahead of Dons clash

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Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld is wary of the threat posed by Aberdeen in the return leg of their Uefa Cup clash, but insists the surface at the Allianz-Arena will give his side the edge.

The Dons pushed the four-time European Cup winners all the way at Pittodrie last week, with the thrilling match ending 2-2 and leaving Jimmy Calderwood's side with a glimmer of hope of pulling off a historical scalp on Thursday.

However, Hitzfeld expects his side to perform better this time round - and believes the flatter surface in Munich will help his side as they aim to power into the last 16.

"As favourites to win the final, it is necessary that we beat Aberdeen," said Hitzfeld.

"But they are going to defend. They will run, be aggressive in the tackle and fight for every inch of land - that is their philosophy.

Superiority

"On a better pitch than the one in Aberdeen last week we hope to prove our superiority on Thursday."

Bayern front man Luca Toni is also confident that his side will be too strong for their Scottish oppenents.

"Bayern are superior to Aberdeen," said Toni.

"We have got to demonstrate that we are stronger and go through. Aberdeen may be good but we are FC Bayern."

The Italy striker is in menacing form coming into the Uefa Cup tie after notching a hat-trick in his side's 3-0 win over Hannover at the weekend.

Toni's partnership with German forward Miroslav Klose is a daunting prospect for any defence, and Hitzfeld revealed he is delighted with how the two are combining.

Ribery blow

"I am happy with both players," he said.

"Toni scored three goals at the weekend and Klose moved a lot, creating holes for Toni to then get into."

Hitzeld will be without one key attacking player for the visit of Aberdeen as French midfielder Franck Ribery will sit out after failing to recover from a hamstring injury in time.

"Ribery can only run in training, I am hoping he will be able to train with the side on Friday," said Hitzfeld.