Miroslav Klose believes that Bayern Munich ought to beat Lazio over two legs in the Champions League, but has admitted that he is keeping his ‘fingers crossed’ for the Biancocelesti on Tuesday.
Germany’s all-time leading goalscorer played more matches for Lazio than any other club in his career. He moved to the Stadio Olimpico from Bayern Munich in June 2011, scoring 63 goals from 170 appearances in all competitions before his retirement five years later.
Klose’s former clubs will play each other over two legs of the Champions League Round of 16, with the first leg being held in Rome on Tuesday, kicking off at 20.00 GMT.
Lazio could look to capitalise on a disappointing weekend for Bayern, who lost 3-0 away to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, which opened up a five point gap at the top of the table.
Although the Bavarians are still the favourites against Lazio, Klose admitted he always likes to root for the underdog, regardless of his previous affiliations.
Asked by TZ who he will be supporting on Tuesday, Klose said: “I’m the type of person who always has his fingers crossed for the underdogs. In this case maybe Lazio because I played there for one year longer than I did at Bayern.
“I think it will be an exciting challenge, more so than last time, but I believe that Bayern will still go through.”
Bayern and Lazio were also drawn against each other in the Champions League Round of 16 in 2011, which the German side won with a 6-2 aggregate score.