Bayern have qualified for the last sixteen of the Champions League in the fastest possible time thanks to a perfect record of four wins out of four in Group E. The FCB head coach and his players were correspondingly happy following Wednesday night’s 2-0 home win over AS Roma. “We were very good, especially in the second half. Congratulations to my players,” commented Pep Guardiola.
Reaction to Bayern v Roma
Pep Guardiola: “Roma were very defensive, but we played well and dominated the match. We were very good, especially in the second half. I’m very, very happy and I want to offer congratulations to my players. We’ve qualified after four matches and we’re through to the Champions League Round of 16. That’s very important for the club.”
Philipp Lahm: “We knew it wouldn’t be as easy [as the first leg] and that our opponents would be a different proposition. They were very defensive, sometimes stringing six men across the back. Taking the lead was important. It’s obviously terrific that we’re confirmed as group winners after four matches. We need to make it to the winter break in good shape and keep picking up points in the Bundesliga.”
Franck Ribéry: “Winning was the important thing today. Roma spent 45 minutes pulling every man back, so taking the lead was important. It’s been a tremendous week up to now, but we still have to go out and beat Frankfurt.”
Manuel Neuer: ”We controlled the game and it was only a matter of time until we scored. Roma defended with everything they had so it wasn’t easy. The important thing was taking the three points.”
Mario Götze: “We’re enjoying it, and you feel it out on the field. We’ve picked up another three points today and it was very, very important. We wanted to qualify right away and we’ve done it. That was our big target so we can be pleased. Now we’re looking forward to Saturday’s game in Frankfurt. We still have room to improve.”
Rudi Garcia (AS Roma coach): “We showed character. We’ve played a very, very good team, but they didn’t create that many chances. We could have been a bit more courageous when we attacked, but when we did finally get a chance, we were confronted with the best goalkeeper in the world.”
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