It was an intense clash as Bayern München progressed into the quarterfinals of the Champions League in spectacular fashion against Juventus. World Champion Manuel Neuer played an important role once again and spoke to the press after the match to share his thoughts.
Question: Mr Neuer, Bayern München have made it to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a strong effort against Juventus. How was this win for you from the perspective of a goalkeeper?
Manuel Neuer: Juve could have barely had a better start with their two goals. We didn’t have full control of the game and that was a bit annoying for us in a home match because we had very different expectations of ourselves.
Question: Was it an emotional victory in the end?
Neuer: Everyone wanted to be in the quarterfinals, the fans, the players, the whole team. We put a lot of effort in to come back from 2-0 down and it paid off. It wasn’t perfect though, because we gifted the opposition two goals.
Question: Were you shocked by Juventus‘ aggressive pressing game?
Neuer: They began really well and taking us on man-for-man almost everywhere on the pitch and attacking strongly. It was something that you wouldn’t have expected from Juve after seeing how they approached the home leg three weeks ago.
Question: How did you turn it around after being 2-0 down in the first half? Was anything said in the changing room?
It was an intense clash as Bayern München progressed into the quarterfinals of the Champions League in spectacular fashion against Juventus. World Champion Manuel Neuer played an important role once again and spoke to the press after the match to share his thoughts.
Question: Mr Neuer, Bayern München have made it to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a strong effort against Juventus. How was this win for you from the perspective of a goalkeeper?
Manuel Neuer: Juve could have barely had a better start with their two goals. We didn’t have full control of the game and that was a bit annoying for us in a home match because we had very different expectations of ourselves.
Question: Was it an emotional victory in the end?
Neuer: Everyone wanted to be in the quarterfinals, the fans, the players, the whole team. We put a lot of effort in to come back from 2-0 down and it paid off. It wasn’t perfect though, because we gifted the opposition two goals.
Question: Were you shocked by Juventus‘ aggressive pressing game?
Neuer: They began really well and taking us on man-for-man almost everywhere on the pitch and attacking strongly. It was something that you wouldn’t have expected from Juve after seeing how they approached the home leg three weeks ago.
Question: How did you turn it around after being 2-0 down in the first half? Was anything said in the changing room?
Neuer: No, there was nothing said. We had a good break and calmed down. Furthermore, we knew that we can score twice against any team so we were still in the running. It was important for us to take control and not concede a third to keep everything open. I believe that the best team, the team that played the better football, has earned the right to be in the quarterfinal.
Question: What does this game mean for Bayern’s path to the final of the Champions League?
Neuer: We basically know what we can do. You already saw that in the first 65 minutes of the first leg, when we played some quality football. We really didn’t need to come back from 2-0 down and win 4-2 to know that we are doing well.
Question: The quarterfinals will be drawn on Friday afternoon. Would you like an all-German tie against Wolfsburg or would it be a shame?
Neuer: At least a German team would make it to the semi-finals then (laughs). We always hope that a number of German clubs can do well in the competition. We can see what happens then sit back and relax after. I don’t think any team is hoping to face Bayern in the next round.
