Ze Roberto calls for confidence
17 Oct 2008 - 10:57:29
Bayern Munich midfielder Ze Roberto has urged his under-fire team-mates to overcome the fear that has enveloped them during a poor start to the season.
The reigning champions have endured their worst start to a Bundesliga season for three decades and are currently languishing down in 11th place in the table.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks and Ze Roberto has admitted Bayern will be playing to save their reputation against Karlsruhe at the weekend.
"You cannot put the importance of the game into words," said the veteran Brazilian.
"The respect which the other teams have for us, which we have worked hard to get over the years, is on the line. I know that from my time with Leverkusen.
"When playing against Bayern, everybody knew that the prospects would be bad if we did not play extremely well.
"Now the players in the locker room are scared that we could lose this very strength. That must not happen. That is why we need to win in Karlsruhe."