Zé Roberto is a true legend in Germany and today he will be heartbroken when Bayern and Leverkusen enter the Olympics in Berlin for the Grand Final of the Cup. Idol of the two hobbies, the former Brazilian soccer player spoke with AS about what it will be like to continue a match of this magnitude from a distance.
How is the situation in Brazil living?
The country suffered a total collapse. Little by little, things are coming back. People have come out and are taking their lives back as they can. But the truth is that we are still in the middle of a pandemic.
What do you think of the management by the government?
Brazil is going through a difficult time. I am not just referring to the virus, but also to the economic and governmental aspects. Instead of being united, the government is separate. One says one thing and the other answers the contrary. Politicians may have different opinions, but what citizens need is a leader and to be able to trust their word. Many people are of the opinion that it is necessary to stay at home and, precisely, the Minister of Health says no. There is no joint line. Thus, everything is more difficult.
It will be difficult not to be able to travel to Berlin to witness the Pokal final between his two former teams in Germany …
It will be. I would have loved to go because I spent a lot of time in Germany. Both Leverkusen and Bayern are teams that I have a special affection for. The coronavirus will deprive me of living my grand finale, but I will follow it on TV in Brazil and I hope it is a great match.
Get wet: who are you going with?
I can not. I will have a divided heart. In sports, I do see Bayern a tad higher than Leverkusen. He comes from winning his eighth consecutive Bundesliga and now goes with everything for the cup. I think he is going through a better time than Leverkusen, he plays better and he has more self-confidence. It does not matter if the coach has to make changes, those who enter are just as good and maintain the level. I will shout for both of them, but I think Bayern will win.
Kai Havertz is facing his first big night …
And it can appear. He has demonstrated this throughout the season, despite his youth. That the greats of Europe have already set their sights on him is the greatest proof of his ability. It is the perfect setting to show the world that you are a player capable of making a difference. For the Leverkusen it will be essential that it shine.
Does this Bayern have a roof?
If you have it, I don't see it. If the Champions League were to return next week, Bayern would be one step above the rest. From my point of view, it is better than the rest, both physically and collectively. But the other teams still have a few weeks to reach that level, a few weeks that Bayern will spend on vacation. We will see how this second break feels.
Would Vinicius have triumphed in his Brazilian Leverkusen?
Talking about Madrid always reminds me of the time I spent in Spain. It was a dream to have been able to wear the white shirt. Today, the club is opting for young players, but with a lot of projection. Vinicius is one of them, but also Rodrygo and Reinier. They are the future of the club. Now, it is important that you are given the time and the opportunities.