FC Bayern meets title contenders Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. According to head coach Thomas Tuchel, the anticipation within the team is “huge”.
“That’s the benchmark we want to measure ourselves against. The team has every right to be confident. We have to build on the results in order to survive,” said the 49-year-old at the press conference on Monday evening.
In the duel with Manchester City (Tuesday, 9 p.m.) FC Bayern also want to stop Erling Haaland. “He’s one of the best strikers in the world and in very good form,” said defender Matthijs de Ligt of the goalscorer.
“These are incredibly impressive numbers,” said Tuchel, also enthusiastic about Haaland. The 22-year-old has already scored 44 competitive goals this season. “The athleticism and the hunger for goals stand out. Of course it’s not just him. The processes are automated, they create many opportunities for Haaland,” said the Bayern coach looking at the tactical orientation of Manchester City’s offensive.
FC Bayern wants to “shape the game”
“They have been playing together for many years. They were able to add Haaland’s unique profile. We have to get it done as a team. Maybe tomorrow we’ll play the role of the underdog, but we also want to shape the game,” said Tuchel.
De Ligt also noted that Skyblues are “a very good team in general”. “We have to remain concentrated and focused with our entire team,” demanded de Ligt. FC Bayern is also “a strong team”. “It’s going to be a big game,” promised the centre-back.
Bayern Munich are missing Choupo-Moting
FC Bayern will have to do without center forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in Manchester. The 34-year-old is currently suffering from knee joint problems.
Serge Gnabry, Thomas Müller and Sadio Mané are available as options for the nine position.