Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen react to 1-1 draw

Werder Bremen gave Bayern Munich all it could handle in today’s 1-1 draw. With manager Florian Kohfeldt drawing up a game plan to minimize damage, Die Werderaner almost pulled off the upset.

“We didn’t quite play as we’d planned. Bremen allowed us very little space,” said Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick (as captured by FCBayern.com). “We weren’t able to create chances as usual. The team tried everything in the second half. They fought to avoid defeat, it was impressive. We didn’t defend well when we conceded the goal. Bremen did a good job and deservedly took a point.”

Kohfeldt was happy to see his team execute its plan.

Photo by Lukas Barth-Tuttas - Pool/Getty Images

“Of course I’m satisfied with the point, especially with our performance,” said Kohfeldt. “We defended in an extremely disciplined manner and didn’t give away much. They scored because Leon Goretzka played an outstanding ball. We had good chances on the break and were really bold with the ball. Manuel Neuer showed today that he is the best goalkeeper in the world.”

For the Bavarian players, it was a frustrating draw, but they credited Werder Bremen.

“Bremen were disciplined in defense the whole match,” said Thomas Müller. “They let us get up to 45 yards in on goal, on purpose of course. In — and around — the penalty area they shut down the middle very well and also shut down the wide areas in the final third. Our sloppy defending in the throw-in situation gave them a cheap goal, so their plan worked.”

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer just thought his team could not create enough offense.

“The opener was decisive,” said Neuer. “We had to fight and invested a lot. Taking everything into account we didn’t have enough big chances.”

In the end, however, it was Werder Bremen who felt like they were able to go toe-to-toe — and survive — with the eight-time defending champions.

“We were bold,” said Werder Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann. “We had our chances in both halves, good chances on the break, which in some cases we didn’t finish well at all. However, we must admit Bayern were clearly dominant and had considerably more chances. Huge congratulations to our team.”