Boateng: “Nothing takes care of itself”

FC Bayern München have once again achieved a historical feat: They have become the first German team to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages as group winners after just four matchdays, thanks to their 2-0 victory against AS Roma on Wednesday night.

World Cup winner Jérôme Boateng is one of the cornerstones of Pep Guardiola’s team. He gave DFB.de an interview following the victory against Roma and talked about the alleged boredom, building new motivation and about Bayern’s upcoming Bundesliga tasks. On Saturday, they travel to Eintracht Frankfurt (15:30 CET) on Bundesliga matchday 11.

Question: Mr. Boateng, congratulations on winning the group! What is your verdict of the game?

Jérôme Boateng: We put in a good performance in the second half. In the first 45 minutes, we had a few problems and our passing wasn’t always accurate. Roma sat quite deep, which didn’t make things any easier for us. But we played well and scored two goals, kept a clean sheet and secured a deserved victory. We can be satisfied.

Question: Are you worried that it will be boring for Bayern from now until Christmas?

Jérôme Boateng: No, it definitely won’t be boring.

Question: Bayern have recorded more points from four games than the rest of the group have managed together. A good feeling?

Jérôme Boateng: Definitely. But we don’t want to put our feet up and rest now. It’s a good feeling and we can embrace it for a few days, but after that we have to set our sights back on the Bundesliga. Our aim is to record a win in Frankfurt before the international break.

Question: In hindsight, would you still say that your group was a tough one?

Jérôme Boateng: Yes, it is a tough group. But we played well and deserved to come out on top.

Question: From where will you gather your motivation until Christmas?

Jérôme Boateng: We still play away to Manchester City and at home against Moscow. Our aim is to win both games. In the Bundesliga, we want to continue to develop on a high level and improve even further. We can’t have an attitude and say: “We are still in every competition, things will take care of themselves from now on.” Nothing takes care of itself.

Question: How would you play against FC Bayern as a manager?

Jérôme Boateng: I’m not a manager and I hope things will remain as they are for as long as possible.

Question: You can now put all your focus on the Bundesliga. Something the rest of the league will not be happy about...

Jérôme Boateng: Our focus has to remain high at all times this season. Our aim is to stay undefeated and continue to improve. There are still lots of areas in which we can improve. Our performance against Roma wasn’t perfect either, but we managed to get the three points at home.

Question: Is it important for you that the status of the Bundesliga continues to grow in Europe?

Jérôme Boateng: Yes, it’s great to see and we will do everything we can to keep it going – as will the other teams.

Question: How are you liking your new position in the three-man backline and your role as playmaker when Xabi Alonso is marked?

Jérôme Boateng: It’s not that bad. You can improve in all sorts of areas, like your build up play. I think that’s a step that I have to take. We defend with a high line usually, but against Rome we had to defend even higher, as they played out of such a deep defence.

Question: And when Alonso is marked, it is up to you to get the ball forward.

Jérôme Boateng: Yes, then I have to take on the responsibility of building up our game from the back.