Christoph Freund: ‘Will be very attractive games’

FC Bayern will face Lazio in the Champions League round of 16 after Monday’s draw in Nyon. “They will be very attractive games. We hope we can lay a good foundation for ourselves in Rome,” said sporting director Christoph Freund. “We go into the games as favourites but can’t underestimate them,” added captain Manuel Neuer. fcbayern.com rounds up the reaction to the draw.

Reaction to the Champions League last-16 draw

Jan-Christian Dreesen (CEO): “We’re looking forward to this exciting task and the trip to Rome. We faced Lazio three years ago in the last 16, but there were no spectators allowed for our 4-1 win there due to the pandemic. Now we can look forward to a full Stadio Olimpico.”

Andreas Jung (board member for marketing): “We definitely can’t underestimate Lazio. We played against them back in 2020/21, winning 4-1 in Rome and 2-1 at home, but in empty stadiums. We know how emotional Italian fans are.”

Christoph Freund (sporting director): “We’re very happy we’re in the last 16. Italian opponents are always tough to play against. Lazio are an experienced team, with lots of experience at European level. They’re currently struggling in the league, but they will be very attractive games that we’re looking forward to. We hope we can lay a good foundation for ourselves in Rome. Our goal is obviously to advance to the next round.”

Manuel Neuer: “It’s an Italian team, who are always set up well tactically. We’ve already got positive experiences against Lazio. We go into the games as favourites but can’t underestimate them. I have very positive memories of the stadium. The fans in Italy are always very loud. Everyone’s looking forward to the matches. We’ll try to win both games.”

Thomas Müller: “I’m excited about the draw. It’s an exciting city. Lazio as a club are always interesting. When you’re through to the round of 16, you’ve done a good job. It’s an old, famous stadium that’s seen so many battles in the past. We’re focusing on the job. It’s a nice one to face.”

Read more about the draw here: