Bayern’s 2-1 home defeat to RSC Anderlecht in Wednesday’s Round of 16 return was the Reds’ first reverse in this season’s UEFA Cup, but given the comfortable 5-0 cushion from the first leg, the result was of little concern in the Munich camp. Furthermore, coach Ottmar Hitzfeld handed a chance to a number of players who have seen little action recently, including a first-team debut for winter signing Breno. “He gave indications of how good a tackler he is,” the boss commented.
Reaction to Bayern v RSC Anderlecht
Ottmar Hitzfeld: “Apart from the first 20 minutes, when we played some very good football, created plenty of chances and should have been 2-0 up, we can’t be satisfied. We were knocked out of our stride by giving them two unnecessary goals. We never got going again after that. We pressured them but created nothing by way of clear-cut chances. It was clear Breno wouldn’t yet have complete confidence on his first appearance, but he gave indications of how good a tackler he is."
Uli Hoeneß: “We should have been 3-0 up after the first quarter of an hour, which would have made it a lot easier for us. But after winning 5-0 away from home, there wasn’t a lot riding on the second leg. It’s hard for the team to get fired up, which we’d have needed to be for another five-goal gala. There were some good moments from a handful of our players, but no-one really gave it every last ounce of effort. Let’s not forget Breno hasn’t had a game in four months. He’s just made his first start for us, and settling down always takes a while. But his tracking back and his positioning showed he’s a really promising player."
Ariel Jakobs (RSCA coach): “Bayern have a fantastic team, but the 5-0 result last week was extremely harsh on us. It was difficult for my team to deal with. Obviously, playing well and winning at the Allianz Arena is a good thing for us. It will help us mentally.“
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