Battle for the Super Cup: I hope playing home will bring me luck

How does it feel to play the first trophy of the season in Prague?
Really strange, actually. It'll be similar to the time when we were playing Sparta Prague in the Europa League in front of what was mostly Czech fans. This time the setting's going to be neutral and there will be a lot of both Chelsea and Bayern fans. It's obvious that a lot of Czech fans aren't going to attend but I'm excited nevertheless. I know the stadium well, we'll be playing against Armenia there with the national team a week later. It's great to be able to play at home and I hope it'll bring me luck.
How many of your friends and relatives are coming to watch?
That is plain and simple. We each got six tickets and no more. That way my wife, my brother, and my sisters with their husbands are going to be there. I couldn't even get my entire family to come and if I was to oblige every single one of my friends wanting to come and cheer, I'd need right about a hundred tickets.
How come you don't have access to more tickets?
That's just how it works. We're actually grateful for those six, it's better than two. Some people assume that we can just pick up as many tickets as we like, but they could not be more wrong. Every now and again you might be able to do that when the game in question is not exactly attractive for the public but the Super Cup is the exact opposite of that. If it were to take place at a stadium with a capacity for 50,000 people, the game would be sold out as well. This capacity's insufficient. Chelsea only received 4500 tickets, same as Bayern. On the other hand I understand that a large percentage of the tickets will have been reserved for UEFA and their partners. If they invest money into Champions and Europa Leagues, they do have the right to appropriate some seats.
The Super Cup was much less of a hit in Monaco; this year's round was sold out long in advance. What do you think made the difference?
Prague's easily accessible, the destination plays an important role. The flight tickets are a bit cheaper, as well. The game's on Friday, both English and German fans have the option to stay for the weekend. All of my teammates have used up their six tickets, too. Their families and friends will be coming over to support us.
What are your expectations for the upcoming match?
It's going to be interesting. In 2012 we beat them in the Champions League final, that's not two long ago. Also, both teams have new managers now, one of which used to coach Barcelona and the other Real Madrid. That certainly spices things up. On top of everything, it's going to be a clash of two extremely ambitious clubs that belong to the very best in Europe.
Has Bayern improved since you last encountered?
They were impeccable in the last season. They won three trophies and they're not done yet; this season's gone well for them so far, apart from the German Super Cup. Their team's remained very much intact and they've even got some new signings to help them grow.
Would you say there's a favourite to this game?
Statistically it may be Bayern since they're Champions League trophy holders but I actually think we're equal. We'll see who's in better shape.
What's Bayern's biggest strength?
It's always their defence-offence transitions. Their new manager has changed their tactics a little but their attackers haven't changed, whether it be Robben, Ribery, Mandzukic or others.
Do you still remember the crushing defeat from last season of the Super Cup?
Things went seriously wrong. We deserved to lose back then. This time we need to avoid making the same mistakes to ensure history doesn't repeat itself. I'm sure this will be a whole new story, though.