Stefan Effenberg states Jose Mourinho has told him he has "great respect" for Borussia Dortmund, after Real Madrid were drawn with the German team in the semifinals of the Champions League. The two sides faced each other in the group levels of the opposition, with BVB taking four points off the ruling Liga champ, adhering to a 2-1 gain at Signal Iduna Park and 2-2 draw away at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ever since then both sides have already been cut adrift in their respective leagues, with Dortmund dethroned as champion by Bayern Munich and Madrid set to surrender its top to Barcelona, despite a greater work of form in the second half the season. And with the 2 clubs set to complete battle again on the back of Friday's Champions League lure Switzerland, Effenberg revealed Mourinho's appreciation for his European adversary. "I talked to Mourinho a few weeks back," the former Germany midfielder told Sky Sports News. "He said that he has great value for Dortmund. Dortmund have nothing to get rid of and if have already reached a great deal. When they beat Real that might be absolutely incredible. "Dortmund will be the underdog for the tie, but they have shocked us all. Real are much more resilient than in the group levels, but Dortmund are capable of beating them." Bayern Munich was coupled with Barcelona in another semifinal tie and after recommendations FCB could call upon coach-to-be and former Blaugrana chef Pep Guardiola for guidance, Effenberg has moved to dismiss that notion. He added: "There is likely to be no call to Pep. Jupp Heynckes is experienced enough to understand how to proceed. "Barca have a tiny advantage, but Bayern Munich are really powerful. It's important Bayern don't cover and they can't focus almost all their efforts on Messi - you can't completely switch off a new player like Messi".
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