Josep Guardiola: I know how hard it is to resist Shakhtar

18-02-15 02:23:16

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After the UEFA Champions League Last 16 first leg, the manager of Bayern answered reporters' questions.

- Today is a good night. It was a great match. I particularly liked the first half of the meeting - we created four scoring chances and I'm very pleased that we didn’t allow Shakhtar to create theirs. We managed to control Alex Teixeira and Douglas Costa. What conclusion on today's match is obvious? In Munich we have to win to advance further.

- Initially, Bayern approached this match as favourites, but sending off Alonso affected the course of the game. Based on this, are you happy with the result?
- In Munich we must win.

- Yesterday, when asked about Lewandowski, you said that he plays in the starting line-up always or nearly all the time. Please comment on his absence in the first XI.
- It was my decision.

- You very often emotionally commented on the developments on the pitch, especially the ref’s decisions ...
- The fact that I comment on anything like that is my personal opinion. This is my character. The answer is quite simple.

- Before the match, you said that the most dangerous thing for you was underestimating the opponents. Did your players fulfill the game plan today? Why did Bayern fail to create many chances? What did Shakhtar surprise you with?
- We had a lot of scoring chances. It should be noted that we didn’t allow Shakhtar to create any dangerous situations. The game plan for today's meeting was as follows: to control Shakhtar players’ fast counterattacks, especially Taison, Teixeira and Costa. We succeeded in doing so. These players are quick, they can create scoring chances. I am very pleased that we did not allow them to do it today. Three or four chances in a Champions League game is good enough. Today, Muller and Robben had chances. I am happy with this meeting.

- Mr. Guardiola, do you think you still underestimated Shakhtar?
- The opponents have acted exactly as I expected. But I am pleased that we controlled the ball very well today and did not allow Shakhtar to play the way they can. In the first half we operated particularly well, but after the break we had some problems due to the opposing defenders.

- In the first half, Xabi Alonso made a few mistakes and lacked lustre in the second half of the match. How would you rate his performance, given that it’s been the Spaniard’s 100th Champions League appearance?
- He played very well.

- Which Shakhtar is stronger? The one who played against you when you coached Barcelona, or the current one?
- There is not much difference between the current Shakhtar and the Shakhtar who played against Barcelona. They still have the same coach, the same football ideology. But an important part of the team is its squad. Back then they had Fernandinho and Chygrynskiy, today they have different players. Nevertheless, they are equally strong. I'm happy with the way my team played this game. Perhaps the experts in Germany will not rate our performance that high. But the main reason for my satisfaction lies in the fact that I know how gifted are the players of Shakhtar and how hard it is to resist them. Now our objective is to review the match - we have three weeks ahead - and to prepare for the return leg.

- This game actually took place on neutral ground for Shakhtar. Maybe the return leg should be held on some neutral ground either?
- These decisions are made by UEFA, I will not comment on it. I hope the Orange-and-Blacks will return to Donetsk one day – thus the fans out there will be able to attend football games and enjoy their favourite team’s performance.

FC Shakhtar
Press Office