Galatasaray forward Lukas Podolski expects Atletico Madrid to be stern opposition when the sides meet this week in the Champions League.
Atletico have travelled to Turkey for the contest and will face a Galatasaray side enduring mixed form at the start of the domestic season, winning one, drawing two and losing one of their first four games.
“The first thing we have to do is forget the first 30 minutes [of the 1-1 draw against bottom side] Mersin and from there focus on this competition, which is very different,” Podolski told AS.
“Atletico showed they’re at a good level against Barcelona. We’ll have to play with great concentration to win.
“I’ve already played against some of the best defenders in the world. The names of the players I have ahead of me aren’t important. I don’t care. I’ve always tried to give 100% against any opponent.
“It’s not important who scores. The most important thing is to win the game.
“Atletico have a range of possibilities in attack. They’re all players with different characteristics. That makes them dangerous. They also have a lot of power.
“We’ll have to defend well if we want to win.
“Almost every team in the Champions League is solid. My goal personally is the last eight.”
It was also put to Podolski that he could have joined Atletico this summer, when he left Arsenal for Gala, and the Germany international didn’t confirm if that was the case as he explained why he made the move he did.
“I had several important offers but chose Galatasaray because they’re a very well respected club around the world,” Podolski commented.
“I’m happy because this move has given me great responsibility.”
