Those responsible for Bayern Munich were cautious after a Champions League draw that brought them a confrontation with FC Barcelona in the group stage. Although only a year has passed since that fateful 2-8 in Portugal, the components of the Bavarian team spoke with respect of a Barcelona that they continue to consider a dangerous rival despite the departure of Leo Messi. These were the reactions to the draw at the Allianz Arena:
Managing Director Oliver Kahn: “An exciting Champions League group and a demanding challenge for us. I am looking forward to these great nights and the return to Lisbon, where we have already made history once. Naturally, we want to qualify for the round of 16 as first in the group.”
Sporting General Manager Hasan Salihamidžić: “I really want to play this group! It is very attractive. In the best of cases, we want to qualify as the first round of 16. Barcelona is another team without Messi, but they have very, very good players in their ranks. It's going to be a fantastic duel in any case. Benfica are a traditional club with a prestigious name, which always brings out good players and has a very good youth squad. The Dynamo are double champions in Ukraine and cannot be underestimated. It is an interesting challenge that we want to overcome. “
Manuel Neuer: “We cannot afford any failure in this group, they are all very strong rivals. We have all had Barcelona very present since 2020, without Messi it will also be a difficult challenge. Benfica plays very well, a fantastic atmosphere always reigns there. At Dynamo We cannot underestimate it in any case, it is a very combative team. In any case, I really want to play this group and these duels with great teams from Europe. “
Thomas muller: “We have had three very traditional and historical participants of the Champions League. I really want to face these teams, which can play football very well. We have the best memories of FC Barcelona from the 2020 quarterfinals, It was a fantastic Lisbon experience for FC Bayern. We also have to be very vigilant against Benfica and Dynamo. When I think of Kiev, Mario Basler's fantastic goal in the 1999 semi-finals immediately comes to mind. it then opened the way to the final “.
Joshua Kimmich: “It's definitely a very ambitious group. Barcelona is going to be a great challenge with so many good players. We are looking forward to it, it will be two great games. Benfica have a good team, they are tactically flexible and they are difficult to play. He Dynamo Kiev is the Ukrainian champion, a bone as well and we have to face it with total concentration. In general, the requirement must be to qualify as first in the group. “