The Bayern Munich coach, Niko Kovac, did not look for excuses behind the failure of his team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2018/19 season. Kovac admitted that Bayern did play badly and deserved to be eliminated.
Bayern Munich must finish their work in the Champions League in the Round of 16. They were able to hold Liverpool with a score of 0-0 in the first leg at Anfield, Bayern had to take a 1-3 defeat when playing at his home, the Allianz Arena.
Three goals that went in Manuel Neuer’s goal, two of which are scored by Sadio Mane. Another goal was born from Virgil van Dijk’s header. Meanwhile, Bayern’s only goal occurred due to the own goal of Joel Matip.
Bayern Munich did not deserve to win
Bayern Munich is statistically more dominant in possession with 58 percent compared to 42 percent. But, Bayern don’t get enough opportunities. Bayern only get seven goal opportunities. Meanwhile, Liverpool have nine opportunities.
“We have strong opponents and we have to congratulate Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp,” Niko Kovac was quoted as saying to Goal International.
“They played better in these two matches and we did deserve to lose. Opponents attacked us high in the pitch and did not left any space, that made us difficult,” added the Croatian coach.
Kovac did not hesitate to embed the label of one of the best clubs in Europe for Liverpool. “In addition, this is also not our best day,” said the 47-year coach.
Bayern have to move on
Despite failing to qualify for the Champions League Quarter Final, Niko Kovac did not want his team players to dissolve into sadness. Because, the journey in the 2018/19 season is still long. Thomas Muller and colleagues must immediately move on and return to their best performance.
Kovac then asked Bayern’s players to devote all their focus and energy to the DFB Pokal and Bundesliga events.
“We still have two titles that must be fought for. We are top of the Bundesliga standings and we are still playing in the DFB Pokal. Our target is to be champions in both competitions,” Kovac added.
