FC Bayern München are on course to set yet another historic club record. A victory on Wednesday against AS Roma (20:45 CET) would see the Bundesliga record champions already qualify for the knockout stages after matchday 4 – faster than ever before. A win would also secure the top spot in Group E, while a draw would also be enough to reach the next round.
“We were drawn into an extremely tough group and we can’t allow ourselves to let this chance slip by,” said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. But he also warned that Bayern’s 7-1 victory in Rome two weeks ago may lead to unrealistic expectations: “It was an evening for eternity. It’s unlikely that we will ever witness a magical night like that one against Romaever again. But we do want to secure our place in the next round.”
Neuer: “We won’t be reckless”
The euphoria surrounding Bayern is huge right now: A big German newspaper went with the headline “FC Unbeatable” during the week. But despite all their dominance at the moment, there are no signs that the players could become too laid-back. “I don’t think that we will be careless or sloppy,” ensures World Cup winning keeper Manuel Neuer. “Rome are a very strong team and we will give it our best to keep the three points here in Munich.” David Alaba added: “We continue to be hungry and ambitious for success.”
Rummenigge praised a “serious” team and manager Pep Guardiola. Important wins, like their 2-1 victory against archrivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, are not being celebrated a great deal. “Everyone is already focused on the next task,” praised Rummenigge.
Perfectionist Pep Guardiola in particular continues to warn his players to keep their concentration – and the players have understood. “Things are going smoothly at the moment, but it’s a long season,” said Neuer. Arjen Robben also issued some cautious statements recently: “We have to remain composed. The trophies are only handed out in May.” That is not the case for the Champions League, as the final will take place on 6th June in Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Roma manager Garcia: “A draw would be a big success”
Obviously, Bayern want to be involved on that night in Germany’s capital. Their first big step on their “Road to Berlin” is about to be completed. A home draw with Roma would be enough to secure a spot in the knockout stages. Atletico Madrid were the only side that achieved the feat of qualifying for the next round after just four games last season. Defending champions Real Madrid and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund booked their place in their next round on Tuesday evening after the same number of group matches.
Roma, who are currently second in Italy’s Serie A, are looking for redemption after their 7-1 thumping at home against Bayern two weeks ago. “A draw would already be a big success for us. We will see if our problems against top opponents continue,” said manager Rudi Garcia. “I don’t think it will be very difficult to put in a better performance than in the first leg.” The Italians are currently second with four points behind Bayern (9), but ahead of Manchester City (2) and CSKA Moscow (1).
FC Bayern München are on course to set yet another historic club record. A victory on Wednesday against AS Roma (20:45 CET) would see the Bundesliga record champions already qualify for the knockout stages after matchday 4 – faster than ever before. A win would also secure the top spot in Group E, while a draw would also be enough to reach the next round.
“We were drawn into an extremely tough group and we can’t allow ourselves to let this chance slip by,” said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. But he also warned that Bayern’s 7-1 victory in Rome two weeks ago may lead to unrealistic expectations: “It was an evening for eternity. It’s unlikely that we will ever witness a magical night like that one against Romaever again. But we do want to secure our place in the next round.”
Neuer: “We won’t be reckless”
The euphoria surrounding Bayern is huge right now: A big German newspaper went with the headline “FC Unbeatable” during the week. But despite all their dominance at the moment, there are no signs that the players could become too laid-back. “I don’t think that we will be careless or sloppy,” ensures World Cup winning keeper Manuel Neuer. “Rome are a very strong team and we will give it our best to keep the three points here in Munich.” David Alaba added: “We continue to be hungry and ambitious for success.”
Rummenigge praised a “serious” team and manager Pep Guardiola. Important wins, like their 2-1 victory against archrivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, are not being celebrated a great deal. “Everyone is already focused on the next task,” praised Rummenigge.
Perfectionist Pep Guardiola in particular continues to warn his players to keep their concentration – and the players have understood. “Things are going smoothly at the moment, but it’s a long season,” said Neuer. Arjen Robben also issued some cautious statements recently: “We have to remain composed. The trophies are only handed out in May.” That is not the case for the Champions League, as the final will take place on 6th June in Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Roma manager Garcia: “A draw would be a big success”
Obviously, Bayern want to be involved on that night in Germany’s capital. Their first big step on their “Road to Berlin” is about to be completed. A home draw with Roma would be enough to secure a spot in the knockout stages. Atletico Madrid were the only side that achieved the feat of qualifying for the next round after just four games last season. Defending champions Real Madrid and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund booked their place in their next round on Tuesday evening after the same number of group matches.
Roma, who are currently second in Italy’s Serie A, are looking for redemption after their 7-1 thumping at home against Bayern two weeks ago. “A draw would already be a big success for us. We will see if our problems against top opponents continue,” said manager Rudi Garcia. “I don’t think it will be very difficult to put in a better performance than in the first leg.” The Italians are currently second with four points behind Bayern (9), but ahead of Manchester City (2) and CSKA Moscow (1).
