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Hitzfeld warns Bayern of dangerous Lyon

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 20 Apr 2010

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(GSM) – Former Bayern Munchen coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has warned the Bavarian giants not to under-estimate their Champions League opponents on Wednesday night, Olympique Lyon.

Lyon travel to the Allianz Arena for the first leg of the semi-final clash with the home side regarded as clear favorites to reach the final.

But Hitzfeld knows better than many, how strong their French opponents can be.

A defeat and a draw to Lyon during the group stage of the 2003/04 Champions League season contributed to Hitzfeld losing his job as Bayern coach after the club lost faith in him during a troubled first half of the season.

He was also in charge of Bayern when they were beaten 3-0 at the Stade Gerland in 2001, although Bayern still went on to lift the trophy that year. And Hitzfeld believes Bayern must build up a decent advantage at the Allianz Arena tomorrow to take with them to France next week.

“You have got to win at home because Lyon are very strong at their place,” he told Sport1.de. “They have more weaknesses away and their attack is not so decisive while they are more susceptible at the back too.

“Bayern have got to ensure they don’t get lulled into a false sense of security. Lyon like to delay things and don’t often play along. Bayern will probably have 60-65% of possession, but they have to make sure they don’t get surprised at the back.”

If Bayern are to overcome this penultimate hurdle on the way to glory, Hitzfeld does not fancy their chances of getting through the last challenge in Madrid.

“It depends who the opponents are,” he said. “Against Lyon, they are slight favourites, even though it won’t be easy because semi-finals are always keenly contested.

“If they play Inter Milan in the final, I would say the chances would be 50/50, but against Barcelona, then Barca would be clear favourites as they are currently the best team in the world.”

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