Nagelsmann on Salzburg: Awkward opponents, in a positive sense

FC Bayern will play RB Salzburg in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League! This was the result of the repeat draw in Nyon on Monday afternoon. The original draw, in which the men from Munich had been matched against Atlético Madrid, had been declared invalid due to a technical error. "This was not an everyday draw today and we're now eagerly looking forward to our clashes with RB Salzburg," said CEO Oliver Kahn. "Salzburg are awkward opponents, in a positive sense, who of course play classic RB football, with a lot of high pressing situations," said coach Julian Nagelsmann, describing the Round of 16 opponents. fcbayern.com has compiled the reactions to the draw.

Reaction to the CL draw

CEO, Oliver Kahn: "This was not an everyday draw today and we're now eagerly looking forward to our clashes with RB Salzburg. Salzburg showed what they can do in the group stage and rightly qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time. There is great feeling of euphoria there, they're a young, highly talented team. Of course we're the favourites in these two encounters. We're looking forward to these clashes." 

Board member for sport, Hasan Salihamidžić: "Salzburg have a very interesting concept with a very good coach. They've performed well in recent years and are the first team from Austria to qualify for the knockout stages. That shows how well and consistently they work. In the Champions League you always have to put in top performances. Last year we had difficult group games against Salzburg, the big results didn't reflect the way the games went. We'll have to put in a good performance."

Julian Nagelsmann: "Mistakes can happen, so it's only fair and just for everyone that the draw was made again. Salzburg are awkward opponents, in a positive sense, who of course play classic RB football, with a lot of high pressing situations. They're an extremely young team who are very hungry. It's unpleasant playing against them. They're doing well in Europe. They have a very good coach in Matthias Jaissle. He always sets the team up well. They're top opponents who will demand everything of us. They play with a lot of young talent. Nevertheless, we'll have to be very focused from the start in both games because they'll put us under so much pressure in high pressing situations that we'll need good solutions."

Manuel Neuer: "We know them well and have already played there in the Champions League. It won't be an easy task, but we should have the confidence and intend to come off the pitch as winners in both games. They deserve to be in the knockout stages and have already caused one or two upsets against big names. We know they play good football. We'll go into the games as favourites, but we don't underestimate any of our opponents."

Thomas Müller: "As a Bavarian, you know Salzburg very well, of course. It's only a short distance away. You know what the city's like a bit. Salzburg qualified in their last group game, it's the first Round of 16 in the club's history and they'll be fired up. They're definitely a surprise team who should not be underestimated. We're expected to progress, and that's also our aspiration. They'll be interesting games, you can also expect similar weather conditions."

We've taken a closer look at the Round of 16 opponents: