Intensity, tactics, fans – Kovac prepares BVB for Monterrey | OneFootball

Niko Kovac on the personnel situation:“Marcel Sabitzer completed the entirety of training today. He did less yesterday as we wanted to care of him. Carney is ill and didn’t travel with us. The situation with Jamie is well known, he won’t be involved either. The scan of Julian Brandt’s hand was positive. Nothing has changed, so no operation is necessary at the moment. He was also ill for two days, but he is now fully fit again.”

…the conditions for the last-16 game:“We're playing in an absolutely beautiful stadium, that has been converted into an indoor arena. The temperatures are a lot cooler than we've experienced until now. I think we'll see a game of football with a lot more intensity than in the past three matches we've played. We've shown we're a team that like to play intense, aggressive football. And when it's cooler, that's a lot easier. It's far better than when it's too hot.”

…the opponents CF Monterrey:“We expect a very strong team, technically very good and also tactically well structured. They have played in different formations. That means we'll also have to be able to react to any changes.”

…Monterrey captain Sergio Ramos:“He’s a superstar. But that doesn't just apply to him, it applies to all players who keep playing for so long. It shows their mentality. They are winners. They want to win in every single training session, they want to win every single game. They want to be at the highest level with every pass they play in training and in games. That’s why he plays so well and is so healthy. He’s a leader. And as a leader, you want to stay at the highest level for as long as possible.”

…the support of the Mexican fans:“I hope we have a packed crowd in the stadium. We footballers want to perform in front of a full stadium. That’s what makes the sport so special. Of course, it’s much closer for South Americans and Central Americans to travel to America than it is for us to come here from Europe. The atmosphere the fans create here is unique, wonderful, emotional and intense. It’s always an advantage to have a lot of support. I expect Monterrey to have a lot of Mexican supporters. It’s a different situation, that’s clear. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a chance. We expect to make the most of our opportunities. You have to grow in situations like this.”