Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann appeared at the press conference prior to the clash that will close the group stage against FC Barcelona. In addition to talking about the rotations he is considering implementing after having sealed the pass to the round of 16 as group winners, the Munich manager made it clear that his team will jump onto the Allianz pitch with the clear objective of finishing the perfect group stage with six victories of six. Nagelsmann spoke of the following topics:
Game: “On the one hand it is rare to play again in an empty stadium, on the other it is good to face the game without having to win. It is an important game, especially for those players who do not usually have so much continuity. You have to maintain the game. high level and that is what we pursue, not to mention the relevance that the Champions League always has and the respect that must be had towards the other members of the group “.
Low: “Goretzka was unable to finish training and will not be available. Same goes for Gnabry and Choupo-Moting. Kimmich is also low as she will undergo PCR testing on Wednesday to get out of quarantine. Lucas looks good, we’ll see if It is an option for the eleven taking into account the importance of next weekend’s clash as well. “
Xavi-Koeman differences: “Xavi has been in charge of the team for a short time, but I perceive that they are trying to defend higher than before. He is implementing that high pressure that Pep’s Barcelona already exerted. They have played with different systems, building with three, other times with four. We’ll see why what style do they choose against us. “
Perfect group stage: “It would not be a signal to the rest of the team, but a reward for the team and their work throughout this season. I don’t think we have to win to show our opponents anything.”
Room for improvement: “I would like us to have more security with the ball on some occasions, that we know how to attract the rival through our game and positioning. There are things that we would like to do more actively. To be a more protagonist in the general lines and keep track of the match times. that way”.
Barça: “They still have a great team and, from my point of view, they are still a contender for the title. I know that they start with some pressure and that they depend on the result against us. I think it is good that we face an opponent who has to go out to for the three points. However, what matters to us is our own ambition and the desire to win every game we play. “
Debts: “Barça continues to be an attractive club, although it is also true that the economic situation it is going through is a major obstacle. When you add so many successes, many decisions are delayed and a certain neglect is installed. I have not spoken with anyone, it is my perception, Also with regard to the talents of the Masia that no longer came out too much lately. Now the Ansu, Gavi, Nico are again asking for passage, something that helps the club a lot and was always part of their DNA. Despite the debts they continue to come out forward and convincing great players like, for example, Frenkie de Jong. From my point of view, he is one of the best midfielders in the world. Barcelona will come out of the pothole, I have no doubt. “
Defending: “We are a team with a lot of possession, the one that most in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga. That entails a high position in the rival field, which at the same time opens spaces behind. What happens is that, sometimes, we don’t even press well and close spaces after loss, something that the rivals have been able to take advantage of lately. We have room for improvement in that aspect, especially considering that our centers are not the same as last season and they have to continue to take on their new responsibility in the team. “
Goals record in Champions: “That Lewandowski wants to keep breaking records means that he will continue to score a lot of goals for us. That he wants to keep showing the world that he is the best, especially after not winning the Ballon d’Or, will only have good consequences for us.”
Rotations: “I want to send a cordial greeting to Lisbon and assure them that we will go out to play with the best team.”
Coman talks about his future: “I try to focus on sports”
Kingsley Coman, winger of the Bundesliga champion, also appeared in the press room.
Barcelona: “We will go out to win, although we would have liked to be able to count on our fans. Our coach instills that winning gene in us on a daily basis and that way we will take to the pitch.”
Kimmich: “He is a key player for us, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. We have shown that we are capable of signing good games without him as well, but it is always better to have him with us.”
Future: “I try to focus on sports until the summer. We had conversations with the club and it will continue to be that way, perhaps there will be news shortly.”
Bayern: “I always wanted for a top club and Bayern is, both nationally and internationally. I am very grateful to the club, the rest I will decide in the future. I have not closed the door to anything.”
Intervention in the heart: “I was very concerned about it and we did a series of tests afterwards so as not to take any risks. I will keep in contact with the medical department so that everything continues to go well.”