Thomas Müller and his FC Bayern München team mates celebrated a 1-0 home victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen on matchday 14 of the Bundesliga season. The Germany international spoke about tactics, his role in the game and the upcoming matches in both the domestic league and the Champions League.
Question: Mr. Müller, can you help clarify something: What system were FC Bayern playing in the first half?
Thomas Müller: The coach thinks about what system will be best ahead of each game. We were prepared for the game but I couldn’t tell you whether it was 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. It seemed to be a combination.
Question: What were the tactics?
Müller: We were tactically prepared – we knew exactly what we had to do. In the first five to ten minutes Leverkusen pressed, so our full-backs were unable to go up as high. As a result of this we had a little less space because our centre backs were the free men. This made it more challenging up front as there was less space. Football isn’t based on requests – you need a bit of luck from time to time and thankfully we got that. Overall, we did well against a team with a strong attack. We are happy with what we achieved.
Question: Two 1-0 wins in a row. Are FC Bayern not reaching their potential?
Müller: Our opponents don’t want to lose. They give it their all and defend strongly. In my opinion, it doesn’t really matter if we “only” win 1-0. We had chances to score more but it’s not a problem. As long as we keep a clean-sheet, it’s fine. We’ve only conceded three in the league so far, which is phenomenal and long may it continue.
Question: How did you find playing close to the touchline on the right wing?
Thomas Müller and his FC Bayern München team mates celebrated a 1-0 home victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen on matchday 14 of the Bundesliga season. The Germany international spoke about tactics, his role in the game and the upcoming matches in both the domestic league and the Champions League.
Question: Mr. Müller, can you help clarify something: What system were FC Bayern playing in the first half?
Thomas Müller: The coach thinks about what system will be best ahead of each game. We were prepared for the game but I couldn’t tell you whether it was 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. It seemed to be a combination.
Question: What were the tactics?
Müller: We were tactically prepared – we knew exactly what we had to do. In the first five to ten minutes Leverkusen pressed, so our full-backs were unable to go up as high. As a result of this we had a little less space because our centre backs were the free men. This made it more challenging up front as there was less space. Football isn’t based on requests – you need a bit of luck from time to time and thankfully we got that. Overall, we did well against a team with a strong attack. We are happy with what we achieved.
Question: Two 1-0 wins in a row. Are FC Bayern not reaching their potential?
Müller: Our opponents don’t want to lose. They give it their all and defend strongly. In my opinion, it doesn’t really matter if we “only” win 1-0. We had chances to score more but it’s not a problem. As long as we keep a clean-sheet, it’s fine. We’ve only conceded three in the league so far, which is phenomenal and long may it continue.
Question: How did you find playing close to the touchline on the right wing?
Müller: As long as I’m helping the team, it’s ideal. I’m not the sort of player who goes home after every game having scored – I’d rather the team picked up three points. When you’re given a tactical role to play, you have to do it.
Question: What exactly was your role?
Müller: I was asked to stay out wide. Robert Lewandowski did that on the other side in the first half, Franck Ribéry in the second. We wanted to make sure the game wasn’t focussed on the middle. The plan was created before the game and it was our job to make sure it was executed properly.
Question: You’re team didn’t create any chances in the first half.
Müller: Games last for longer than 45 minutes though. You need to remain patient.
Question: On Wednesday you play CSKA Moscow in the Champions League and have a derby against third placed Augsburg next weekend. Are you looking forward to the games?
Müller: Games against Augsburg are always special. What exactly makes a top game? It doesn’t matter where Augsburg are in the table, the games are always tight. We know what that game is all about and will be fully prepared ahead of it.
(Taken from DFB.de)
