Zenit`s Belgian midfielder told journalists about how his team is preparing for the upcoming friendly match with Sweden, and his team`s departure for the World Cup in Brazil.
— We`re training like we do with our club teams, said Axel Witsel, Zenit`s “Red Devil”, following the very long and very intensive training given by Marc Wilmots on Thursday at Olympic Stadium in Stockholm, where Belgium`s national team is currently training for the World Cup.
— We`re suffering, but now is the time when we have to do the hard work to reinforce our muscles. We won`t have enough time later on to do so. The closer we get to Brazil, the better prepared we have to be. The coach wants all of us to give our all in training.
— I didn`t watch Sweden`s match vs. Denmark” (in which Sweden lost 1:0 in Copenhagen), admitted Witsel, but it`s obvious that Sweden is not Luxembourg (which the Red Devils destroyed 5-1 on Monday in Genk), and it will therefore be a big test for us. Especially in front of their supporters at home, the Swedes will surely be far more motivated and enterprising than in Denmark. They can`t disappoint their fans this time, and I guess you know Zlatan (Ibrahimovic), one of the best strikers in the world with countless physical and technical qualities. And there are other players besides Zlatan in Sweden`s team who know how to play. There`s Kim Källström (a midfielder who`s out on loan to Arsenal from Spartak Moscow) for example. We are very focused on this game. But we can`t really talk about big pressure on us yet. Belgium is really excited for us, but we have to remain calm. This is our first World Cup, don`t forget that. We`re going to have to manage there, concluded Witsel.
