Football
ESPN staff 8y

Wolfsburg can't respect Real Madrid too much, says boss Dieter Hecking

Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking fancies his side's chances in their Champions League quarterfinal tie against Real Madrid -- as long as they don't show the 10-time European champions too much respect.

The Bundesliga side were drawn against Los Blancos after dispatching Gent in the round of 16 on March 8.

Hecking admits he would have preferred a matchup with Benfica, however he has spotted an opportunity for his team -- in the competition for just the second time -- to upset the favoured Spaniards.

"From a sporting point of view, I would have preferred Benfica, because that would be a 50-50 tie. But then there is the glamour of Real Madrid," Hecking said.

"I think we can succeed if we don't show too much respect for Real Madrid, the club and their individual players. They are a team just as we are, and we have to try to make it as difficult for them as possible with what we have.

"You have a chance in any match. We are big underdogs in this tie, but outsiders are there to be cheeky, and I would like to see my team doing that in both matches.

"Anyone who knows Real Madrid knows their strengths. They have great quality in attack and have shown that in the Champions League. They've won seven of their eight matches this season, so we're facing great quality, but we shouldn't underestimate ourselves as we also have something to offer. I hope we can show that."

Wolfsburg have reached this stage in the tournament despite losing star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to Premier League giants Manchester City last summer.

With Hecking's men currently occupying eighth place in the league table, the manager talked up his side's progression into Europe's last eight.

"It was a special experience for the club and for the fans, but also for the team. It's also a milestone for me in my career," Hecking said.

"Now we are in with the 'creme de la creme' of Europe -- we have to face the teams who have dominated Europe in recent years. And we're part of that with Wolfsburg, from a city of 120,000. That's extraordinary for the club.

"It is a huge amount of fun to play in the Champions League. Every single game has been a highlight. It's a massive experience and an experience that I don't want to miss out on.

"We deserve to be in the quarterfinals, we're having a great season in the Champions League, so let's see what we've still got in store."

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