Stopping Rooney from scoring is key to stopping Man U
April 25th, 2011 - 1:38 pm ICT by ANILondon, Apr 25 (ANI): To stop Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney from scoring in tomorrow’s Champions League semifinal showdown, Schalke defenders are under orders not to concede any goal.
Schalke defender Christoph Metzelder said: “It’s all about stopping Rooney, he’s the key player. The first match is at home so it will be very important not to concede a goal.”
“Against Chelsea he dropped into the midfield, so it’s important to defend against him not only with the defensive line but also with the midfielders.
“Of course we know that Manchester United have so many key players but they don’t scare us,” The Sun quoted Metzelder, as saying.
Germany star Metzelder also admitted that Schalke is happier to face United in the Champions League semi-final rather than favourites Barcelona.
“It would be much more difficult for us to play against Barcelona. The style of Manchester United is easier for us, if you can say that.
“Barcelona take control and they make you run so much it’s very difficult to defend against them. It’s easier to play against teams like Manchester United - or even Real Madrid,” he said.
Metzelder, 30, conceded United are overwhelming favourites to go through, but insisted Schalke love being the outsiders. (ANI)
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Tags: barcelona, champions league, chelsea, defensive line, germany, london, love, manchester united, match, metzelder, midfield, midfielders, outsiders, real madrid, schalke, semifinal showdown, striker, sun, wayne rooney