Reaction to Bayern v Freiburg - Harry Kane: We showed character

FC Bayern beat SC Freiburg 6-2 thanks to an outstanding improvement in performance on Saturday. Munich went two goals down early on but upped the ante and deservedly won. “We didn’t give up despite falling behind, we kept up the tempo, won balls at the back and scored up front,” summarised Aleksandar Pavlović. “We came out with a lot more energy in the second half, we did a really good job both on and off the ball and showed FC Bayern’s true colours,” said Harry Kane. fcbayern.com rounds up the reaction to the game.

Reaction to Bayern v Freiburg

CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen: “To win like this after being two goals down isn’t a matter of course. We’re very confident and never get nervous. The team showed that today. Michael Olise was involved in five goals, which is outstanding of course. Arsenal know we’re in good form. We have respect, Arsenal aren’t top of the Premier League for no reason. It’ll surely be a true top match.”

Board member for sport Max Eberl: “We know how Freiburg play, they’re very solid and put in incredible legwork. We didn’t do well in the first 20 minutes. Freiburg did a good job and scored two goals from two set pieces. We upped the pressure after the second goal. A huge compliment to the team, it isn’t a matter of course to fight back like this after falling two goals behind. It’ll further boost our confidence.”

Vincent Kompany: “Two players do something special in a difficult phase and we get out of this situation. Then our momentum returns. It’s definitely down to quality, there’s no other way to describe it.”

Harry Kane: “We didn’t do well in the first 20 minutes, but then we showed character. The lead after half-time helped us of course. We came out with a lot more energy in the second half. We did a really good job both on and off the ball and showed FC Bayern’s true colours. It was a really good victory. Arsenal make life difficult for their opponents, but we must analyse them and find out where we can hurt them.”

Jonathan Tah: “Of course we weren’t pleased with the situation after the second goal. We knew we had to shift up through the gears. We soon did and had the right energy level. We know we can turn things around at any point. We have the team spirit and solidarity it takes. We have to be more alert as a team at set pieces. We’re really looking forward to the match away at Arsenal, it’s something special. We’re full of confidence ahead of it and want to take three points. It’ll be a very attractive game.”

Dayot Upamecano: “The goal was crucial. I’m pleased with my first goal this season. We have a superb coach and a superb team, we play really well and want to win every match.”

Aleksandar Pavlović: “We didn’t give up despite falling behind, we kept up the tempo, won balls at the back and scored up front. We were caught napping at two set-piece situations but fought back well. At the end of the day, it’s the result that counts. Now we’re ready for Arsenal, we’ll prepare well.”

Lennart Karl: “I’m happy when everyone speaks well of me. I didn’t expect to play but was listed in attacking midfield and was very glad. Everybody knows we’re very, very good in attack. We struggled at first and conceded two goals from set pieces, but we fought back very well and everything worked out in the end. I took a knock in training yesterday, I was checked, but everything’s okay. Unfortunately, I had to be subbed off after the injury.”

Reaction from SC Freiburg

Julian Schuster (head coach): “That’s how I want to see my team. I’d rather lose with the courage to try. We definitely have to learn these things, but I prefer it that way.”

Maximilian Eggestein: “We allowed too much in one-on-ones, especially against Luis Díaz and Olise. They find solutions and take shots, we can’t always prevent that. Taken altogether, we allowed too many situations on the wings.” 

Matthias Ginter: “It basically went very well. It might have been different if we had managed to stay in the lead at half-time. But to be honest, they had so many situations in and around our box, it was clear it would happen sooner or later. So unfortunately we couldn’t take anything away today.”

The match report: