Julian Nagelsmann discusses Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash against Barcelona

A brand-new edition of the Champions League is right around the corner and Bayern Munich is scheduled to face FC Barcelona a week from today in their first group stage match of the tournament. Julian Nagelsmann shared some thoughts about facing a Messi-less Barcelona ahead of the big fixture.

The previous meeting between the two teams ended in a historic 8-2 victory for the Bavarians. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, fans were unable to witness the historical triumph or the massacre – depending on what side you support – from inside the stadium. With fans welcomed back into the arenas, the upcoming tie at Camp Nou will be a lot more exciting.

Nagelsmann said (via Marca), “We are looking forward to facing Barcelona next week. We will play in a wonderful city and at a great stadium. Two teams with an incredible tradition and great fans will face each other.”

The Catalans will be lining up for their first Champions League match after Lionel Messi’s departure. Nagelsmann commented, “A great player has left, one who put his stamp on the club for years. Messi had a lot of influence on and off the pitch, also in the dressing room. He also made organisational decisions, which makes me think that there are players who will now be a bit more liberated, filling the position he occupied.”

“He is a world class player who knows how to decide matches by himself. Any team is better with Messi than without Messi”, added the manager.

The return leg will be played at the Allianz Arena on December 8th, bringing the curtain down on the group stage matches of the tournament.