PSG expert Raí ahead of #B04PSG: ‘It will be a spectacular game’ - 1994 World Cup winner with Paulo Sergio and Jorginho

In 1994, you won the World Cup in the USA together with the former Brazilian Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Jorginho. What did the two of them tell you about Bayer 04 back then?

Raí: That they immediately had to adopt punctuality and discipline.(laughs) But joking aside. They found the club to be well organised and very professionally run. Nothing was left to chance. And they quickly realised everything was done to ensure that every player felt comfortable and could do their job in the best possible conditions.

What perception of Bayer 04 did you have back then? Was Leverkusen already a "big", a "well-known" club?

Raí: Absolutely. After Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who played a major role in the Champions League at the time, Leverkusen were undoubtedly the best-known German club. But the "breakthrough" was of course the 2001/02 season when Bayer 04 reached the final of the Champions League after impressive and passionate performances against Juventus and Manchester United, among others. At that time, a number of Brazilian players also helped Leverkusen to perform so well. Zé Roberto and Lúcio, for example. And there was talk of a Germany international who played like a Brazilian. I can't remember his name off the top of my head...

You mean Bernd Schneider?

Raí: Yes, exactly.  In my opinion, Bayer 04 were even a little bit better than Real Madrid in the 2001/02 Champions League final in purely playing terms, the only thing missing was a little bit of luck. And perhaps a pinch of experience. There were plenty of chances. For me, it was one of the best Champions League finals ever. It also made Leverkusen very famous, especially in my home country of Brazil.

Did you realise that Bayer 04 held their training camp in Brazil in the summer?

Raí: Yes, I saw that. A good choice.(laughs) As I said, Leverkusen are pretty well known in Brazil thanks to its tradition of having Brazilian players. Whenever I'm there, I see kids playing football on the street in Bayer 04 shirts.

What do you think about the decades-long close connection between Bayer 04 and your home country?

Raí: I think it's really great, it's almost unique. I'm also impressed that, regardless of whether it was Paulo Sergio, Jorginho or others, they quickly learnt German at the club, even though the language seems so difficult to me.(laughs) And on the pitch, Leverkusen always stood for attractive and spectacular football, which is why the Brazilians fit in so well with this club.

Let's move on to the current clash between Bayer 04 and Paris Saint-Germain, your longstanding club as a player (1993 to 1998). What impression have PSG made on you this season and what are your thoughts on the Champions League match at the BayArena?

Raí: Their victory in Barcelona on Matchday 2, despite many injuries and some rather inexperienced players on the pitch, showed that this team remains greedy and hungry even after the long-awaited triumph in the Champions League at the end of May in Munich. This team wants to continue to make history. PSG will have to manage without several players due to injury in Leverkusen but that definitely doesn't mean it will be any easier for Bayer 04.

Will PSG be the clear favourites on the night?

Raí: Along with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool, PSG are the top favourites for me in this competition again this season. Bayer 04 certainly have what it takes and the quality to play their part and I'm confident that they can progress to the quarter-finals - even if their start to the Champions League has been mediocre (draws against FC Copenhagen and against PSV, ed.). I'm expecting a spectacular game with a few goals, lots of chances, an enormous tempo and a high level of intensity on both sides.