Reaction to Bayern’s DFB Cup first round win

Bayern are through to the DFB Cup second round after overcoming Neckarelz in Sinsheim to open the season proper with a win, although the Bavarians had more trouble than expected with the sixth-tier underdogs, who put up a courageous fight for the full 90 minutes. “We can be delighted with a place in the next round. We’ve come here and done a job,” relieved keeper Michael Rensing said. “Neckarelz were organised and played well,” said boss Louis van Gaal.

Reaction to Neckarelz v Bayern

Louis van Gaal: “That was our tenth match in four and a half weeks, and that was too much, which is why we didn’t play well. Our opponents were organised and played well, and made it difficult for us to score. In the first half, we ran with the ball too much, and we didn’t run off the ball. There was no movement. We weren’t better in the second half, but we took our chances.”

Mark van Bommel: “We’re through to the next round, but we have to play better football. We ran far too much with the ball in the first half instead of pitching camp in their half. We were poor in that respect, but we still made chances. We were too slow. If the pace drops, it’s easy for your opponents.”