So, it’s Sevilla up next! Bayern can look forward to two enthralling games against the multi Europa League winners from Andalusia. “It’s a challenge that’s achievable but Sevilla have caused a stir in the Europa League in recent years and won the title a number of times,” acknowledged goalkeeper Sven Ulreich. The rest of the Bayern squad are also wary.
The reaction to the draw at a glance:
Jupp Heynckes: “It’s a difficult draw. I know Sevilla very well. They were Europa League winners three times in a row from 2014 and play a cultured, creative brand of football. They’ve also become more solid defensively since changing coach. Sometimes it’s better to beat the supposedly top teams. I’ve repeatedly had that experience. I’m familiar with the atmosphere at Sevilla. It’s not quite Istanbul but it’s similar. They’re a fantastic crowd. We need to focus on getting through the quarter-final.”
Hasan Salihamidzic: “My in-laws live in Seville. I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be very interesting and won’t be easy; they knocked out Manchester United. Spanish teams always play good football. Sevilla are experienced in European competition so we need to be alert. You don’t get to the quarter-finals if you’re not really good. We won’t be taking them lightly. In any case, if you want to win the Champions League you have to beat everyone.”
Thomas Müller: “It’s a good draw. There were teams in the top who have more illustrious names, even though Sevilla have won the Europa League three times in a row. That’s not something you achieve lightly. The club have a history of success. Nevertheless we’ll be expected to get through to the next round. We have a lot of confidence, we’re Bayern München. We want to play with confidence in this competition and not just get far with a bit of luck but win the thing. It’s been far too long since we were in the final. We want to get there at all costs.”
Mats Hummels: “I think it’s a very exciting and interesting draw. I reckon they’re much, much stronger than many people think. They have real quality and there’s the atmosphere in the away leg. These are factors that will be big challenges for us. We’re playing away first, where we’ll certainly have to be up to it physically. They’ll go for it from the start and apply pressure, roared on by their frenzied crowd. That’s something we have to fight against.”
Javi Martínez: “It won’t be easy. Sevilla are a superb team with a lot of quality, particularly in midfield. They have a lot of pace on the wings and their strikers are dangerous. They’ve played well in the second half of the season so far, especially at Manchester United. The atmosphere at the stadium is brutal with very loud fans. Sevilla play an aggressive and high-pressure game at home. We have to give everything.”
David Alaba: “It’s definitely not an easy draw. They’ve not got this far by accident. As we’ve all seen they play very good and successful football. It certainly won’t be easy, but we’re already looking forward to it.”
Sven Ulreich: “They’re supposedly one of the weaker sides. There were some heavy hitters in the hat. It’s a task that’s achievable but Sevilla have caused a stir in the Europa League in recent years and won the title a number of times. They won’t be easy games. They play neat, short-passing football in typical Spanish style. They’re always on the move and have some nippy players. The Spaniards in our squad have already told us to expect a cauldron in Seville. We’ll have go into it with maximum concentration and do our homework. It’s a good challenge for us and one that make us grow again.”
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