Juventus 0-2 Bayern Munich
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Bayern coach Heynckes: We deserved the victory
“We’re through to the semi-finals after beating a great team, strong opponents. It was incredibly enjoyable playing here in such a modern stadium in this atmosphere. We expected Juve to apply pressure at the start. We gave away the ball too often and we weren’t well organised in defence, which is why we ran into trouble from time to time. But little by little we took control of the game. We showed all our class in the second half, when we never looked in trouble, so it’s a deserved victory.”
Philipp Lahm: “It was important we came through the opening stages, when we were put under pressure. But we created the first decent chances and we were wide awake. We didn’t really play well in the first quarter of an hour, so all credit to Juve and the fans. The atmosphere was sensational, although we were prepared for it. The teams in the semi-finals are all on a par with each other, and two of the teams are German, so we can be pleased with that.”
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Juventus coach Antonio Conte
“We’re where we thought we’d be. There’s a great deal of work to do, but we were already aware of that. Now people don’t believe that two or three signings will enable you to win the Champions League next season. Time is what’s required.”
“Bayern aren’t just technically strong, they’re also physically potent. They’ve got young players and will remain at the top of European football for many years. It’s inevitable there’ll be a gap when coming up against such an organised club and a team that has reached two Champions League finals in the last three years.
“I’ve congratulated the lads, because I think winning the Scudetto and being among the top eight sides in Europe represents an extraordinary achievement. Of course, nobody likes losing, but you need to recognise the superiority of our opponents. We did everything we could have done. Congratulations go to the team and also the fans who rewarded the lads with the correct tribute.”
With the Bianconeri deprived of several key figures for significant spells of the current campaign, Conte explained that his hand has often been forced when choosing his tactics and starting line-up.
“I had to put the 4-3-3 to one side the minute Pepe got injured, the only player who enabled me to play that type of system. The team’s condition? We’re fine, but there are certain players who have played almost every game. I’m referring to Barzagli and Bonucci, given that Chiellini has missed practically half of the season through injury.
“When you’re missing a player like Giorgio it becomes difficult to rest the other two. We approached this game without Giovinco and Vidal was suspended. I reiterate, we did everything we could and the lads deserve only applause for their efforts.”
