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The Champions League draws are set, and Bayern Munich will face Paris Saint Germain in the quarterfinal. This match will be particularly interesting since these two teams played the last season’s finale. Both teams will be very motivated to go through to the next stage, as PSG is looking for vengeance and the Bavarians are defending the trophy.
Bayern Munich players and staff reacted to today’s draw. Hasan Salihamidžić told FCBayern.com that his team will have a difficult job, and complimented PSG’s coach and players.
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“Compared to last year’s final, they have a new coach, (Mauricio) Pochettino, who is doing a good job. They have top players, with (Kylian) Mbappé, a very dangerous striker. We will be challenged at the highest level. Normally, home advantage is very important. But currently, you have to look at how and where the games can take place. We are looking forward to the games.”
Andreas Jung, Bayern’s marketing director, said that this will be a special match since the two teams met in last year’s final.
“We had a phase where we were a bit tired, but are playing very consistently now. Paris is also playing fabulous soccer, but they are ‘merely’ second in the league at the moment. That shows what a big burden the two teams have to cope with. But I’m sure both will be in top form for the quarterfinals and that it will be similarly close as it was in Lisbon.”
Oliver Kahn said that he is very excited about the match, but also praised PSG’s quality, especially in the attack.
“Everyone knows what an attacking force they are, with players like Neymar or Mbappé who can decide a game at any time. In Mauricio Pochettino, they also have a coach who puts a lot of emphasis on defensive stability. But we’ve shown that we’re the best team in Europe at the moment.”
Hansi Flick said that “there are only strong opponents in the quarter-finals, the top 8 in Europe. It’s important to play two strong games. We want to progress. PSG are strong opponents, they showed that in the final last season. But we’ve also shown our quality in CL.”
Manuel Neuer said that two difficult games are ahead of Bayern.
“Of course, this is a great team with great players, a great squad. You also saw that in the final in Lisbon. It was a close game there. It will be a tough task and two huge games. We’ll try to do our best to win the games. It will depend twice on the form of the day and the right attitude and preparation.”
Thomas Muller expressed his excitement for the rematch with PSG — “We are of course happy about the rematch of the final and are looking forward to the games. We’ll have to get our intensity on the pitch. From the quarter-finals onwards, only the best teams are in the race and the games are close.”
It’s an interesting situation for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting since he was defeated last year by Bayern in the Lisbon final.
“The whole world saw at the last final that this is a strong team. The guys will be very motivated, but so are we. I’m looking forward to the game and the reunion. It’s an awesome story. Some players on the team have spoken to me, and I’ve already got a few messages from Paris. If I could have chosen, I would have preferred to play against the guys later. There have already been some changes compared to the last year and they still have enormous quality in the team.”
Kingsley Coman spent his youth career at PSG and has scored the winning goal against them last Summer.
“It’s a great draw. For me, of course, it’s a special story when you think of last season. It’ll be two interesting games. Paris is a great team with a very good attack.”