There was no faulting FC Bayern's performance as they eased to a 4-0 win at Preußen Münster in the first round of the 2023/24 DFB Cup. "We meant business and were dominant. Leon Goretzka and Noussair Mazraoui, in particular, did really well in an unfamiliar position," commented head coach Thomas Tuchel, singling out his makeshift centre-back pairing for praise. "Some of us were effectively playing in new positions, but we handled it superbly," Goretzka said. "We're on the right track and the focus is there, but there's still plenty of room for improvement," he warned. fcbayern.com rounds up the rest of the reaction...
Reaction to the Münster win
Thomas Tuchel: "We meant business today and were dominant. We were strong in the tackle and didn't allow them to hit us on the counter. Leon Goretzka and Noussair Mazraoui, in particular, did really well in an unfamiliar position. We scored three first-half goals and had a few more chances. It was a little more disjointed in the second half because of the substitutions, but I'm happy overall."
Leon Goretzka: "I'm delighted with such a dominant display. Some of us were effectively playing in new positions, but we handled it superbly. The structure suited me because I was still in the middle, just in defence instead. I think a performance like today's helps us. We're on the right track and the focus is there, but there's still plenty of room for improvement. Noussair Mazraoui said before the game that he'd played [centre-back] once before, so his experience in the position benefitted us a little. Jokes aside: we've played football for long enough. It's our job to see it through with confidence."
Konrad Laimer: "It was a cup game. If you don't win, you're out. That's why you can never underestimate these things. We were solid today and deserved to win. It was my first headed goal and a nice one at that. Obviously I'm happy about it, and hopefully a few more will follow."
Frans Krätzig: "It was a fantastic atmosphere. We started really well and were rewarded. We should have scored the fourth goal earlier in the second half. All things considered, it was a good performance from us. I tried to give my best, as I always do. That's all I can do and what I try to do each day, whether in training or in a game like today."
Reaction from the Preußen Münster camp
Peter Niemeyer (chief executive): "We went all out and succeeded to an extent. We created a couple of half chances, but Bayern's quality is far superior and we're nowhere near them. We had the opportunity to show who we are and be part of a real football fest today. The fans appreciated it."
Sascha Hildmann (head coach): "I never like losing, but we played with real passion today. The lads gave it everything, so we can be proud of our performance - but I would have liked to have seen a goal. We were bolder in the second half and had a couple of good passages of play."
Simon Scherder (defender): "It was exhausting. When you look at the quality Bayern possess, you barely have time to catch your breath. That said, it was a nice experience for us all. Overall, we did well."
Johannes Schenk (goalkeeper): "I was very happy to be able to play today. We were the underdogs going into the game and gave it everything. Looking at the final score, they perhaps scored one too many but we played well overall, especially when you consider how Bayern played last Saturday in the Bundesliga."
Read the match report below:
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