We are not afraid of Klose - Kramer

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Christoph Kramer has singled out Miroslav Klose as Lazio's main attacking threat, but is confident the Bundesliga outfit can keep the veteran striker quiet.

The Bundesliga outfit head to the Stadio Olimpico for the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Tuesday.

Klose is Germany's all-time leading goalscorer with 71 goals, yet Kramer has backed his team-mates to deal with the threat posed by the 37-year-old.

"All of us know the quality that Klose has got, but we don't have to be afraid. We've got many talented players as well," Kramer told reporters.

"We know that he's dangerous and can score many goals regardless of his age. He's an extraordinary striker so we are warned by his qualities.

"However, we've got very good centre-backs to defend him. I wish that he plays, but for once I don't wish him to score for two games."

Tuesday's clash will be just Lazio's second competitive game of the season, having lost to Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana, yet Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt is wary of the threat the Serie A giants will pose to his team.

"I think they are a team which doesn't just have individual quality even though they have extraordinary players.

"Their main strength is that they perform as a team. They have a good awareness when off the ball and also while having possession.

"They are very good on the counter-attack because their three strikers are very fast - Klose and the two on the wings as well.

"So I think that Lazio are a very good team with a clear style which makes the challenge so difficult for us."