FC Bayern made a good start to the year 2017 and concluded the first half of the Bundesliga campaign with a last-gasp win against SC Freiburg, retaining top spot in the table. The narrow 2-1 victory was the result of hard work. "The first match after the winter break is never easy," declared Arjen Robben, whereas Thomas Müller spoke of a "tough fight." Coach Carlo Ancelotti commented: "The match was difficult because we had strong, aggressive opponents."
Reaction to Freiburg v Bayern
Carlo Ancelotti: "The match was difficult because we had strong, aggressive opponents. We didn't play well, especially in the first half. I liked the willpower and the character the players have shown. We ultimately won the match thanks to it. We can't be satisfied with the way we won, only with the result."
Thomas Müller: "We didn't play as we had planned. It was hard work today, a tough fight."
Arjen Robben: "The first match after the winter break is never easy. We had difficulties, we have to play better than we did in the first half. We didn't play with enough pace and weren't dangerous enough. We now need matches to find our rhythm. It continues next week."
Robert Lewandowski: "My first thought was to pass the ball directly to a team-mate, but it wasn't so easy because no one was there. So I just tried to control the ball and take a shot. It was the last attack of the match, you have to demonstrate your quality and try everything. Fortunately I succeeded. I didn't hit the ball perfectly, but a goal is a goal, and three points are three points."
Christian Streich (Freiburg coach): "I think we didn't do much wrong. It wasn't as if Bayern had 15 chances in one half. A match against Bayern is like a holiday, but it's over now. We must draw on the positive aspects and return to daily business. It gives us confidence, but you have to put it in the right perspective. The lads did a great job, but it's over now."
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