Bayern were closer to winning Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash than visiting Werder Bremen, but the 1-1 final score means the Reds’ lead over the men in green remains at three points. “It was a physical encounter. Neither team conceded anything to the other, and both attacked aggressively,“ summarised Ottmar Hitzfeld. Bremen counterpart Thomas Schaaf was satisfied afterwards: “I’m delighted we’ve been rewarded with a point.“
Reaction to Bayern v Werder Bremen:
Ottmar Hitzfeld: “It was a physical encounter. Neither team conceded anything to the other, and both attacked aggressively. The early goal was a real bonus for Bremen, because fighting back cost us a lot of effort. Diego’s run was perfectly timed, everything went right for him. The players decide who takes the penalties. Toni is a World Cup winner, so he’s got to be burying it from 12 yards. I’d like to see Klose getting more involved. He’s trying too hard to score and he’s getting too far forward."
Uli Hoeneß: “We had to respond after missing the penalty, and that naturally cost us a lot of strength. We failed to score when it really mattered, although we had much more of the game and a huge chance to make it 2-1 through Hamit Altintop. But in terms of entertainment it was a wonderful game of football. Werder are hardly nobodies, they have a very good team. This was a meeting of two top teams, so I’m pleased enough with the result. Obviously, we missed Franck Ribéry, he always does something influential, but we mustn’t grumble."
Franz Beckenbauer: “Bayern dominated the match, as we can see from the stats. But at the end of the day, it’s goals that count. The draw was the right result, with the edge for Bayern. We could have won the match."
Mark van Bommel: “The first 15 minutes belonged to Bremen, we didn’t get going. We clearly dominated after that. If we’d taken one of our chances, we’d have won."
Philipp Lahm: ”You need time to get up to speed after the winter break. We’ve started well, we have a three-point lead, so we’ve got to be satisfied."
Oliver Kahn: “Bremen caught us cold, they attacked us aggressively, but we still kept it tight at the back and held them at bay. We showed plenty of resolve – we missed a penalty but still equalised. We totally controlled the second half, Bremen didn’t have a shot at goal. The result flatters Bremen, but we conceded an early goal and we missed a penalty, so we have to be satisfied with a point. We’re not making enough of our dominance at the moment."
Thomas Schaaf: “It was a great move leading to Diego’s goal. We started well, but it was a mixed bag after that. Both teams tried to impose themselves on the game. Bayern fought back and put us under pressure. They tried to impose their tactics on the match. We were careless with possession in the second period, so they were able to pen us in our own half. We should have tried to slow it down and not just charge up the field. But I’m pleased we didn’t go looking for excuses. My team showed they want to go places. I’m delighted we’ve been rewarded with a point."
Tim Borowksi: “We were on top at times and created a few chances, but at the end of the day, it was the right result. I’m delighted we’ve come away with a point. We showed what we’re capable of today."
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