Kasper’s got to get quick grip
KASPER SCHMEICHEL has just one thought when the Champions League music strikes up: Getting his hands on the ball.
Leicester City’s keeper is living the dream that shows no sign of ending at the moment with a hot date against Atletico Madrid this week.
But he explained: “We use Nike balls in the Premier League and adidas in the Champions League – they are not the same.
“And you have to practise because it is very different to the Premier League ball. It’s all about getting used to them.
“They have a completely different grip – a totally different flight from the ones you are used to.
“They are both good balls. Personally, I think the adidas ball is great for the forwards – it’s a beautiful ball to strike.
“The Premier League ball grips more, it’s about getting used to them.”
Statistically speaking, the Denmark international is the best in Europe, having conceded fewest goals so far in the competition – he missed the five-goal drubbing against Porto.
And even though Leicester were written off against Sevilla in the previous round, Schmeichel says that the club may not be the underdogs everyone thinks against Diego Simeone’s men.
He added: “These nights are what you are in the game for – well, it’s what I’m in the game for. Those high-pressure games where everything is at stake.
“And if you can’t be inspired by the Champions League, you won’t be inspired by anything.
“It’s a competition that, as soon as you play in it, you quickly become addicted. The night games and the whole build-up to it and the event itself. It’s a fantastic competition.
“Everyone knows what we are about. But on our day we can beat anyone.
“We’re confident, we’re in good form and we’ve been on a great run.”