It was not just the exterior of the Allianz Arena that was illuminated on Wednesday evening. The fans, players and coach inside the stadium were also shining – before, during and, most of all, after FC Bayern’s 3-0 win over Hertha Berlin. “I’m happy because we played really well,” Carlo Ancelotti said in praise of his players, who according to the coach produced their “best performance of the season”. And on top of that, a seventh victory in seven competitive games!
“We played well and created lots of chances,” said Franck Ribéry, who was happy with Bayern’s performance after giving his side the lead in the 16th minute – thanks to a glorious flash of skill. Once again the Frenchman trusted his intuition. “When I’m on the pitch, I do what feels right,” said Ribéry. “Sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesn’t.” And how it came off!
Reception gives Robben ‘goosebumps’
“It’s always tough against Hertha,” said Thomas Müller, “we dominated the game as was the plan.” One minor criticism: “In the first half we should have scored more with the chances we had.” That improved in the second period, as Thiago (68) and the returning Arjen Robben (72) sealed the win. The Dutchman’s goal in particular raised the roof of the Arena after his 200-day absence. “That was a particularly wonderful moment for everyone connected with the club,” said Müller.
“I’m so happy,” said the winger, struggling to put his feelings into words after the final whistle, not least because of the reception he received from the Bayern fans. “It gave me goosebumps. It was a nice moment. This is what I’ve been working hard for.” Ancelotti is also “very pleased that he is back,” and Robert Lewandowski knows that it is “always nice” when you can return like that. “To score a goal so quickly – it gives you a lot of confidence.”
Ancelotti’s Oktoberfest plans
“I’m happy he’s back again. We all are,” stated Ribéry. “We have so many matches this season that you need the full squad.” Captain Philipp Lahm is also happy that it is going “all in all very well” for Bayern. “We’re creating lots of chances and not giving many away at the other end. But it’s still early in the season, and now we have important games in Hamburg, Madrid and against Cologne.”
While the team will be diligently preparing for the coming matches, Ancelotti and his coaching staff will visit the unfamiliar territory of the Oktoberfest between now and the game against Hamburg. “It’s fantastic,” declared the Italian, “it’s the right time to do it after a win like that. We can have fun, drink some beer and dance. It’ll be a nice evening.” Prost!
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