Coach Julian Nagelsmann and defender Lucas Hernández will answer journalists’ questions ahead of FC Bayern’s first leg in the Champions League quarter-finals against FC Villarreal on Wednesday.
sport.de reported today from 1:30 p.m at this point in the live ticker from the media round of the German record champions. How does FC Bayern deal with the overwhelming role as favorites in a duel with the surprise Spanish team? What personnel updates are there to report?
+++ Waiting for Nagelsmann +++
Lucas Hernández left the podium. Julian Nagelsmann should appear in a few moments.
+++ Hernández on the Süle departure +++
“Niklas is a great player, I get along well with him. We also have other good players who are performing well. We need to regroup and try to compensate for this loss. But we have enough quality.”
+++ Hernández about the change mistake against Freiburg +++
“It’s about the Champions League tomorrow. I’m concentrating on that and not thinking about Freiburg.”
+++ Hernández on Villarreal’s style of play +++
“They are very good. When they have the ball, they work well up front. We don’t want to give them any space.”
+++ Hernández on the mood at Villarreal +++
“It’s not a big stadium but it will be a difficult start for us. The fans will play their part.”
+++ Hernández about Unai Emery+++
“He’s a great coach. He’s had success everywhere he’s been. He’s doing a fantastic job at Villarreal.”
+++ Hernández on the role of favorites +++
“It’s clear we want to win. We want to go through to the next round. It’s a special game for Villarreal, they’ll try everything. We want to go as far as possible.”
+++ Hernández on his role in defense +++
“I’m adapting better and better. I always want to do my best. I’m very happy here and that gives me a lot of confidence.”
+++ Hernández on the return of Goretzka +++
“He’s a great player, he’s very important for the team and a leader. He’s an important factor, we’re all very happy. He gives us aggressiveness and physicality. His confidence is back.”
+++ Hernández about Villarreal +++
“I saw their game against Juventus. They had less possession but were always dangerous. They were well organized in defense and aggressive in tackles. We won’t underestimate them.”
+++ FC Bayern warned against FC Villarreal +++
Unlucky Villarreal? Thomas Müller waved it off. “There will be no walks, no way,” warned the veteran. The “yellow submarine” may not have a big name internationally, but Müller knows firsthand how dangerous it is.
“I saw both games,” he said of the round of 16 against Juventus. “We’ve been warned.” The reigning winner of the Europa League caused the biggest surprise in the first knockout round against the old lady (1:1/3:0).
FCB captain Manuel Neuer is also expecting a “strong” opponent on Wednesday who “can hold the ball”. The route taken by the German record champions is clear: don’t get arrogant despite being a favourite!
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