Interview: The former East Germany international has backed the Bavarians to reach the last eight of the Champions League and revealed his admiration for Borussia Dortmund
EXCLUSIVE
By Fabian Biastoch
Uwe Rosler has backed Bayern Munich to overcome Arsenal in their Champions League last-16 tie.
The former East Germany international, who now works in England as Brentford manager, is convinced the Bavarians can reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
“Bayern will beat Arsenal and progress,” he told Goal.com.
“I’ve seen Arsenal, and I’m predicting Bayern. They have a realistic chance of winning the Champions League. I think it will be difficult for Arsenal.”
Two German players, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker, ply their trade at the Emirates Stadium, but the 44-year-old feels they will have to bid their time to become recognised as stars of the English game.
“They are experience players, who play in the national team. But, to succeed over here, you have to have consistent performances.
“And Podolski and Mertesacker have only been here for a short time. You need years over here to make a name for yourself.”
Another German team performing strongly in the Champions League is Borussia Dortmund and Rosler spoke of his admiration Jurgen Klopp’s side’s game.
“They make me very excited. I’ve seen the game against Manchester City live and I am absolutely a fan of Dortmund.
“Team team play with so many young players, have energy, structure, and individual quality and they are hungry.
“I am a huge fan of football and my style of play is based on them. They can, as a dark horse, cause the big teams problems.”
Rosler is also convinced that German football is back on the up after enduring a 12-year wait for the Champions League title.
“You see the way the teams play, the success they enjoy at youth level – these are all signs that German football is among the best, with countries such as Spain.
“In Germany, there is a good balance between local and foreign talent. In the Premier League, there are some young English players, but the clubs have so much money and spend it on foreigners.
“In Germany, relatively young players get plenty of playing time, and so they can progress well.”