Leandro Paredes: 'I have confidence in my teammates'

After knocking out Barcelona, you now face the reigning champions, Bayern Munich. What did you think of the draw?

"It's the most difficult competition, and to reach the final and win it, of course you have to face the best teams. And that's what we're doing. We were in a difficult group and then we took on Barça and now Bayern. That's how it us. You have to be ready to face any team."

You most recently faced Bayern in last season's final. Do you think the team has improved since then?

"I think we needed to improve mentally after last season, and we've done that. With the physical work we do and the recovery after a difficult start to the season, we're now better than last season. We have quality players, and we have the ambition of going far."

There will now only be finals to be played on every front...how are the squad feeling?
"The squad is 100% ready. We have a lot of desire, that of wanting to do well and to win. We're going into this last part of the season with huge amount of determination and this game motivates us a lot."

Unfortunately, you'll be suspended for the first leg...

"It's tough for me to accept that I won't be on the pitch to help my teammates. I knew that I was under the threat of a suspension when we played Barcelona. I got a yellow card. It's tough, but that's the way it is. But I have confidence in my teammates to go and get a result over there and I hope to be available for the second leg."