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Bernd Leno: Bayer Leverkusen need Michael Ballack against Barcelona in the Champions League
The young shot-stopper has defended his team-mate, who has come under criticism this season, and stated that his experience will be important when the side meet the Catalans
Feb 8, 2012 12:40:00 PM
By Luke Matthews
Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno has spoken of Michael Ballack's importance to the team, especially when the German club meet Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 later this month.
The veteran midfielder has come under criticism recently, with Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser making the former Chelsea man a scapegoat for the side's average performances of late.
However, Leno, who recently joined the club on a permanent deal after enjoying a highly successful loan spell, has defended his team-mate.
"Ballack has tremendous experience. Especially in games like against Barcelona, he is important. Of all of us, he has played the most games in the Champions League. He can bring us pure experience," the keeper told Bild.
"[Ballack is] a really good guy [and] an absolute team player. Now we must help Michael."
The 35-year-old midfielder is expected to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, with MLS as a mooted destination.
Leverkusen meet Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions round of 16 tie on February 14 at the BayArena.
| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £85.00 | Draw £55.00 | Barcelona £12.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £95.00 | Draw £55.00 | Barcelona £12.90 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £90.00 | Draw £50.00 | Barcelona £13.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £90.00 | Draw £60.00 | Barcelona £12.90 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £87.00 | Draw £53.00 | Barcelona £12.50 |
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The veteran midfielder has come under criticism recently, with Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser making the former Chelsea man a scapegoat for the side's average performances of late.
However, Leno, who recently joined the club on a permanent deal after enjoying a highly successful loan spell, has defended his team-mate.
"Ballack has tremendous experience. Especially in games like against Barcelona, he is important. Of all of us, he has played the most games in the Champions League. He can bring us pure experience," the keeper told Bild.
"[Ballack is] a really good guy [and] an absolute team player. Now we must help Michael."
The 35-year-old midfielder is expected to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, with MLS as a mooted destination.
Leverkusen meet Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions round of 16 tie on February 14 at the BayArena.
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Athletic Bilbao - FC Barcelona
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