‘We were up for the fight’

Bayern stood firm against physical opponents, scored two goals and took all three points as the champions did an excellent and thoroughly professional job in Braunschweig on Saturday. “It was a good test for us, especially of our willingness to fight,” commented Thomas Müller. Pep Guardiola was a satisfied coach afterwards: “We’ve won and we’re pleased with that.”

Reaction to Braunschweig v Bayern

Pep Guardiola: “Braunschweig were passionate and played with big hearts, which was a big reason it wasn’t easy. We battled away. We had more control over the game in the second half. We’ve won and we’re pleased with that.”

Philipp Lahm: “It was important we set off for home with a good feeling, and we’re doing just that. Given the state of the pitch we played some good football especially in the second half, when we were very good at times.”

Thomas Müller: “It was a good test for us, especially of our willingness to fight. And we were up for the fight today. It was a very intense match in a fantastic atmosphere. We didn’t produce footballing fireworks, but that was always going to be difficult against these opponents and on this pitch. Against that, we battled away well and showed the necessary patience.”

Claudio Pizarro: “It was important to win before playing Real Madrid. It’s a confidence-booster. Strikers like myself always enjoy scoring, so I’m obviously delighted.”

Torsten Lieberknecht (Eintracht Braunschweig coach): “I’d really have liked my team to come away with a point at least because we had big hearts today. We’ll keep going right to the end, and maybe we’ll experience one of those things that happen in football but can’t be explained. Best of luck to Pep Guardiola for the game against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.”