Flick, Klose, Neuer & Co. react to being drawn against Lazio

Bayern have been drawn against Lazio in the last 16 of the 2020/21 Champions League. “It’ll be an exciting tie,” said head coach Hansi Flick. It’s also a special fixture for assistant coach Miroslav Klose, who spent five years with the club in Rome. “I’m thrilled. They were the team I wanted. I have a lot of connections with the club and the city,” Klose added. fcbayern.com has all the reaction to the draw.

Reaction to the Champions League draw

Hasan Salihamidžić (board member for sport): “They’re an awkward opponent, which we saw in the group against Dortmund. It’s always tough against Italian teams. We’ve had a good time in the Champions League so far and will prepare well for these games.”

Andreas Jung (board member for marketing): “It’s a completely blank slate – we’ve never faced Lazio in a competitive fixture. They had a good group stage and are unbeaten. The two best goalscorers of last season face off in Robert Lewandowski and Ciro Immobile. It’ll be an exciting tie.”

Hansi Flick: “We’re pleased with the draw. It’s not easy to play against Italian teams. And, of course, it’s a special game for Miro – we’re all delighted for him. It’ll be an exciting tie. We saw their games in the group stage and were able to create a first impression.”

Miroslav Klose: “A lot of people from Rome have already messaged. I’m thrilled. They were the team I wanted. I have a lot of connections with the club and the city. They’re a dangerous team in a 5-3-2 formation under Inzaghi, who was also briefly my coach. They are solid at the back, it won’t be an easy task. We’ll analyse things well and draw our conclusions.”

Manuel Neuer: “Lazio are a strong team, but we go in as favourites. They have class forwards. We know how dangerous Ciro Immobile is. Lewy is definitely looking forward to the clash and I’ll prepare well as goalkeeper. We’ve got good memories of the stadium, having won handsomely against Roma. Miroslav Klose will also be able to fill us in – he played for Lazio. We can look forward to the game. We want come out on top and progress to the next round.”

Thomas Müller: “Lazio were in Dortmund’s group, so I watched the games. They’re an opponent who can be very awkward in attack, especially with Ciro Immobile. Caution is advised, but of course we’re looking forward to the next round. Rome is a beautiful city and we have good memories of playing Roma there.”

We took a closer look at Lazio ahead of the Champions League last 16: