Barcelona began their Champions League season with a 3-0 lost to the German side FC Bayern Munich. After the disappointing match by the Culés, Ronald Koeman, Gerard Piqué, Araujo and Pedri spoke with the press. Here is what they all had to say.
The Dutch manager was the first one to address the press.
On the match
“We started well, we had problems going forward due to some circumstances. We were unlucky in the first goal. From the 0-2 it was been very difficult and Bayern has shown that they are a better team than us.”
Analyzing what they lacked
“Today we only had three forwards, nothing more. Tactically there were many phases of the game that we controlled. We tried to fill the spaces near Lewandowski, we tried to compete better, but it is what it is. I can’t complain on the players attitude. There is a difference in quality, as a group, as a team and in the substitutions.”
Covering for his players
“I don’t like that my players get whistled. We know that Sergi is not a right-back and playing one on one with Davies is impossible. It was the first game for Luuk de Jong and the first minutes for Coutinho.”
The veteran central defender, Gerard Piqué also spoke with the press after the match:
Regarding the match
“The result is a bulked one and it is a bad result. In the first part we competed. But the silver lining are the 18-year-olds that have come on. It is what it is. I am convinced that it will be a difficult year but I am also sure that we will compete. We have the foundations.”
On if they are serious contenders to the title
“We will not be among the main ones, obviously. Sometimes we have been favorites and we have not succeeded. Football changes fast, they are states of mind. They are solid, and we are where we are, it is a reality. I do not want to excuse myself, we are Barça and we will continue competing.”
Another blaugrana defender also spoke with the media, this is what Ronald Araujo said:
Regarding the match
“Football is football, it is true that they played better and had more the ball, but we still have 5 matches left and who says we cannot reach the last match fighting with them for the first place.”
On the current squad
“We have a great team and a great squad, the first goal was very hard. This has just begun, we have to continue with the same enthusiasm as always and improve.”
Finally, Pedri, the young star also spoke with the press and expressed his point of view:
On Bayern Munich
“Bayern’s rhythm is very hard, we tried to get the ball, we knew it was going to be difficult. Our squad can do a lot more.”
His analysis of the match
“We knew it was going to be difficult, that Bayern are a great team, but I think the match would have been different without the goal in the first half. This has just begun. Now you have to analyze the mistakes that we have made.”
