Arsenal provided Bayern’s Round of 16 opposition in the last two editions of the Champions League, but the Reds enter new territory at the same stage this season after being drawn to face Shakhtar Donetsk, a team FCB have never played before. “We’ll show great respect in both matches,” commented Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, although the chairman feels Pep Guardiola’s side are favourites. “We respect Donetsk but we intend to progress,” observed Matthias Sammer. Arjen Robben issued a warning: “We’ll have to watch out, they have a few really good Brazilians.”
Reaction to the Champions League Round of 16 draw
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: ”Shakhtar Donetsk is a good draw and we’ll certainly be favourites, but we’ll show great respect in both matches. Shakhtar played some very good games in the group stages. It’s definitely going to be a new experience for us.”
Matthias Sammer: ”We don’t know them, but any team that makes it through the group stage against the likes of Bilbao has the class. Their striker Luiz Adriano is currently top scorer in the Champions League. We respect Donetsk but intend to progress.”
Philipp Lahm: ”Donetsk are certainly dangerous opponents, but despite that we have to make the next round. FC Bayern’s minimum target is always the quarter-finals.”
Manuel Neuer: ”Donetsk are the great unknowns in the last sixteen so preparing for the matches won’t be that easy. But as always, our coaching and analysis teams will provide us with all the information we need. I’ve never personally faced this team, although I played in Lviv once with Germany when we beat Portugal 1-0 at EURO 2012, so that’s a good omen. I’m definitely confident we can make the quarter-finals.”
Thomas Müller:”We have no experience whatsoever of Donetsk up to now, but they came through the group stages well. We’ll need to approach both matches with respect if we’re to make the next round.”
Arjen Robben:”I think it’s good we have something different and not Arsenal again (laughs). We’ll have to watch out, they have a few really good Brazilians. We’ll analyse our opponents closely and concentrate hard. If we do it should work out.”
Franck Ribéry:”It could certainly have been worse, but let’s be cautious. Donetsk are strong. Provided we concentrate and dig deep I’m confident.”
David Alaba: ”Donetsk are a dangerous team. Their group stage performances showed they’re worth their place in the last sixteen. They have good individuals, but if we can maintain our current form we can do well at their place too.”
Topics of this article