Question: So would you say that Bayern Munich are currently the best team in the world?
Boateng: That's not for me to answer – it's for others to decide. We're making a good impression, delivering strong performances and we’re confident, but we've still got a long way to go. We try and improve from one game to the next. Our aim is to keep improving and consistently win matches.
Question: And how would you rate Bayern compared to clubs such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid?
Boateng: They're definitely big clubs too, but I think we’re on the same level as them in any case. We don’t need to fear anyone; after all, we won the Champions League last season. As I said, we're taking one match at a time this season. Right now everything is looking good.
Question: Is it perhaps even an advantage that Bayern have constant injury issues at the moment, because it means competition within the squad cannot become too serious?
Boateng: It's great for Bayern Munich and for us as a team that we have such depth, but it's not so great that there are lots of injuries right now. However, we've dealt with that well so far; everyone in the team is always there for everyone else. If someone drops out through injury, someone else steps up. I don't think we lose any quality when a player is sidelined – that’s clear to see. The coach will certainly have some tough choices to make when everyone is back, but that just enhances the team further because every player has to fight for his place, and that can only be a good thing. I don't think it generates a bad atmosphere; we simply don't have that sort of player in our team.
recorded by DFB.de.
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15 points from five Champions League matches and yet Bayern Munich’s place at the top of Group D is not yet guaranteed. However, the defending champions will progress to the last 16 as group winners even if they lose 2-0 at home to Manchester City this evening (live on Sky from 20:45 CET).
Jerome Boateng is one player who will seek to prevent his team conceding any goals this evening. The German international was dismissed for a professional foul against his former club in the reverse fixture, but now the 25-year-old is back and hungry to complete Bayern’s perfect group performance with another win. In an interview with DFB.de, the defender spoke about facing his former employers and the main challengers for the title.
Question: What do you expect from your former team, Manchester City, here in Munich?
Jerome Boateng: The match is a group final to see who finishes in first place, so we have to assume that Manchester City will give it their all. However, we're playing at home so we want to put on a good display and win the match for our fans. I don’t think Manchester City will already be thinking about their big game against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, as the Champions League will be their main focus right now.
Question: Can you perform as well as you did in your 3-1 win in Manchester?
Boateng: I think we've got a very good chance. We’re playing at home where we're very strong, we're first in our group and want to pick up where we left off. We're very confident but not arrogant about our chances, and we're looking forward to a big game.
Question: English football appears to have made up some ground during the group stage this season. Do you think the title could be won by one of the English teams?
Boateng: Not necessarily; I think there are several teams in the frame with them. The English teams are well placed in their groups, but the German teams are also right up there and could all progress to the next round. And, of course, the Spanish teams are in the hunt too. The English teams are certainly in a better position compared with last season, but that doesn’t count for much at this stage.
Question: So would you say that Bayern Munich are currently the best team in the world?
Boateng: That's not for me to answer – it's for others to decide. We're making a good impression, delivering strong performances and we’re confident, but we've still got a long way to go. We try and improve from one game to the next. Our aim is to keep improving and consistently win matches.
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Question: And how would you rate Bayern compared to clubs such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid?
Boateng: They're definitely big clubs too, but I think we’re on the same level as them in any case. We don’t need to fear anyone; after all, we won the Champions League last season. As I said, we're taking one match at a time this season. Right now everything is looking good.
Question: Is it perhaps even an advantage that Bayern have constant injury issues at the moment, because it means competition within the squad cannot become too serious?
Boateng: It's great for Bayern Munich and for us as a team that we have such depth, but it's not so great that there are lots of injuries right now. However, we've dealt with that well so far; everyone in the team is always there for everyone else. If someone drops out through injury, someone else steps up. I don't think we lose any quality when a player is sidelined – that’s clear to see. The coach will certainly have some tough choices to make when everyone is back, but that just enhances the team further because every player has to fight for his place, and that can only be a good thing. I don't think it generates a bad atmosphere; we simply don't have that sort of player in our team.
recorded by DFB.de.
