FC Bayern München beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 yesterday evening in their fourth Champions League fixture of the season. World Cup winner Mats Hummels took charge of the Bayern defence and made many very good passes in their build-up play. The 27-year old spoke to DFB.de about conceding an early goal, Bayern’s chances of topping the group and Miroslav Klose’s retirement.
Interviewer:Mr Hummels, FC Bayern have already qualified for the next round of the Champions League by beating PSV Eindhoven 2-1. It was close, despite Bayern dominating for the most part and having a lot of goal scoring opportunities. Bayern went behind early, was the goal offside?
Mats Hummels: At the time, I didn’t actually think it was offside. In hindsight it doesn’t even matter because we still won. If we hadn’t, it would have been very frustrating. We had the match under control, but we still conceded. PSV Eindhoven were dangerous going forward and we had to clear things up at the last minute numerous times. But on the whole, it’s impressive that we had so many shots on goal away from home in the Champions League.
Interviewer: Are Bayern still struggling with adjusting to switches in possession?
Hummels: We are reacting well to changes in possession but we still need to work on our structure when we have the ball. We have to make sure we are all in the right positions to stop the opponent from attacking on the counter. But we’ve been talking and there are a lot of areas that we can still improve on.
Interviewer: Atletico Madrid are still leading the group after scoring a late goal to beat F Rostow 2-1.
Hummels: It was frustrating for us to see that Atletico scored the winner in the 95th minute. Now we have to beat Rostow and not only beat Atletico at home on the 6th December, but we have to be at least 1 or 2 nil up. It will be a real challenge and it won’t be easy, but we still want to top the group.
Interviewer: Robert Lewandowski scored his second brace in the space of four days.
Hummels: He is always a key player for us, even when he doesn’t score. He works hard and even provides assists for some goals. He was unlucky last night because he hit the woodwork three, no, four times! He is an excellent striker.
Interviewer: What do you think of Bayern’s current form?
Hummels: We have reacted well after not winning three matches in a row. We haven’t been slacking off lately. We have stayed focused. We haven’t always done everything right, but no team in the world has ever done that. We are on the right track, I think.
Interviewer: What do you think of TSG Hoffenheim being in third place in the Bundesliga?
Hummels: It’s really good. I’m in a fantasy league this year and my team is full of Hoffenheim players, but I’m not telling you who! So I’m very happy that they are doing well (laughs). They are a very good team and they have a great manager in Julian Nagelsmann. It will be an exciting match, but we’re at home and the favourites to win.
Interviewer: Miroslav Klose announced his retirement. What do you think of your fellow World Cup winner?
Hummels: He is a great sportsman and an impressive striker, everybody knows that. He was an very important player for the national team because he always gave it his all and he helped the team out even when he wasn’t playing. He is a role model. Everyone who has ever played alongside him will agree with me there.
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FC Bayern München beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 yesterday evening in their fourth Champions League fixture of the season. World Cup winner Mats Hummels took charge of the Bayern defence and made many very good passes in their build-up play. The 27-year old spoke to DFB.de about conceding an early goal, Bayern’s chances of topping the group and Miroslav Klose’s retirement.
Interviewer:Mr Hummels, FC Bayern have already qualified for the next round of the Champions League by beating PSV Eindhoven 2-1. It was close, despite Bayern dominating for the most part and having a lot of goal scoring opportunities. Bayern went behind early, was the goal offside?
Mats Hummels: At the time, I didn’t actually think it was offside. In hindsight it doesn’t even matter because we still won. If we hadn’t, it would have been very frustrating. We had the match under control, but we still conceded. PSV Eindhoven were dangerous going forward and we had to clear things up at the last minute numerous times. But on the whole, it’s impressive that we had so many shots on goal away from home in the Champions League.
Interviewer: Are Bayern still struggling with adjusting to switches in possession?
Hummels: We are reacting well to changes in possession but we still need to work on our structure when we have the ball. We have to make sure we are all in the right positions to stop the opponent from attacking on the counter. But we’ve been talking and there are a lot of areas that we can still improve on.
Interviewer: Atletico Madrid are still leading the group after scoring a late goal to beat F Rostow 2-1.
Hummels: It was frustrating for us to see that Atletico scored the winner in the 95th minute. Now we have to beat Rostow and not only beat Atletico at home on the 6th December, but we have to be at least 1 or 2 nil up. It will be a real challenge and it won’t be easy, but we still want to top the group.
Interviewer: Robert Lewandowski scored his second brace in the space of four days.
Hummels: He is always a key player for us, even when he doesn’t score. He works hard and even provides assists for some goals. He was unlucky last night because he hit the woodwork three, no, four times! He is an excellent striker.
Interviewer: What do you think of Bayern’s current form?
Hummels: We have reacted well after not winning three matches in a row. We haven’t been slacking off lately. We have stayed focused. We haven’t always done everything right, but no team in the world has ever done that. We are on the right track, I think.
Interviewer: What do you think of TSG Hoffenheim being in third place in the Bundesliga?
Hummels: It’s really good. I’m in a fantasy league this year and my team is full of Hoffenheim players, but I’m not telling you who! So I’m very happy that they are doing well (laughs). They are a very good team and they have a great manager in Julian Nagelsmann. It will be an exciting match, but we’re at home and the favourites to win.
Interviewer: Miroslav Klose announced his retirement. What do you think of your fellow World Cup winner?
Hummels: He is a great sportsman and an impressive striker, everybody knows that. He was an very important player for the national team because he always gave it his all and he helped the team out even when he wasn’t playing. He is a role model. Everyone who has ever played alongside him will agree with me there.
