Guerreiro reveals he still keeps in touch with former Dortmund pals ahead of ‘der Klassiker’
Raphael Guerreiro, the Portuguese football star, now wears the colours of FC Bayern München, gearing up for the much-anticipated clash against his former club Borussia Dortmund in the iconic Der Klassiker. As he reflects on his journey in the Bundesliga and the upcoming match, a sense of excitement and determination emanates from his words.
Having become familiar with the Bundesliga over the years, Guerreiro acknowledges the league’s strength and competitiveness. He remarks, “There are some outstanding players here, some of whom I didn’t know before coming here myself. But I can say now that many teams are on the rise.” Guerreiro said to the Bundesliga.
He highlights Bayer Leverkusen’s exceptional performance this season and emphasizes the league’s evolving nature beyond Bayern’s dominance.
Despite Bayern’s recent good results, Guerreiro remains focused on continuous improvement. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence and pushing forward in every game. Reflecting on the gap behind Leverkusen, he maintains optimism and determination, stressing the need to persevere.
As the highly anticipated der Klassiker draws near, the excitement among Bayern and Dortmund fans is palpable. Guerreiro, too, is filled with anticipation. Having missed the first encounter due to injury, he is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to make a significant contribution in the upcoming match. While Dortmund holds a special place in his heart, his allegiance now lies firmly with FC Bayern, and he is determined to give his all for the team.
Despite the match not being a first versus second-showdown, Guerreiro emphasizes its significance. Der Klassiker is more than just a fixture; it’s a spectacle eagerly awaited by fans worldwide. Recalling his time at Dortmund, he acknowledges the fierce competition and the daunting task of playing at the Allianz Arena. However, he remains optimistic about Bayern’s prospects and hopes for a positive outcome.
As the conversation turns to his past achievements, including a memorable goal against Bayern while playing for Dortmund, Guerreiro’s focus remains on the future. Despite the bitter taste of defeat, he emphasizes the importance of team success over personal glory. Looking ahead to the upcoming match, Guerreiro’s determination to secure victory for FC Bayern shines through, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the team’s cause.
Der Klassiker would see two great adversaries battling it out for points, but for Guerrierio, it is a chance to reunite with former teammates who have now become friends. He says, “I will send Marco a message before the game. I am still in touch with a number of the Dortmund players and will catch up with them afterwards in the changing room. But on the pitch, we will remain fully concentrated.” I spent a lot of time with players Marco (Reus), Julian (Brandt), and Salih (Özcan) too sometimes. These are guys I admire greatly. We stay in touch with each other throughout the season. We don’t write all the time, but now and again. That is sufficient.”
Bayern is second on the table with 60 points, 10 points behind Bayer Leverkusen, the league leader. Dortmund is fourth with 50 points, 6 points behind VFB Stuttgart, who are third.
