Pep Guardiola praised Juventus, Leonardo Bonucci and claimed Bayern Munich playing so well “is one of the most special days of my career.”
The Germans were 2-0 up after an hour and totally dominated possession in Turin, but Juve fought back for a 2-2 draw that leaves the Champions League tie alive.
Pep Guardiola praised Juventus, Leonardo Bonucci and claimed Bayern Munich playing so well “is one of the most special days of my career.”
The Germans were 2-0 up after an hour and totally dominated possession in Turin, but Juve fought back for a 2-2 draw that leaves the Champions League tie alive.
“To come here and play the way we did against Juventus is one of the most special days of my career,” said the Coach in his Press conference and on Mediaset Premium.
“It was a great Champions League game between two excellent teams. I am satisfied with the performance of my players.”
Guardiola opted to drop Xabi Alonso, instead playing Arturo Vidal in front of the defence.
“Arturo played the last two games very well. Physically he is very strong. We needed a player with his characteristics back there. Naturally I was not afraid, because I know his character and it was my decision.
“Juventus had three shots and scored two goals, but you cannot think of coming to this marvellous stadium in Turin and not conceding. We couldn’t think of coming here and dominating or winning 7-0.
“I know people always talk about the result, but Bayern put in a great performance and the result isn’t everything.
“It’s true Juve have a chance of qualifying, but so do we. I complimented Max Allegri after the game, as people enjoyed themselves watching this tonight.”
The tactician denied there was a collapse in fitness levels as the game wore on.
“If there was a drop in fitness levels, you don’t attack the way we did in the last 15 minutes. Fitness levels are one of the most important things in this country, but it doesn’t matter at all. It’s an individual issue.
“Did you really think we could come here and expect to dominate for 90 minutes against a side with Pogba, Mandzukic, Morata, Bonucci – one of my favourite ever players – Buffon and all these characters?
“There are some regrets considering the way we played that we didn’t win, but this is football. We are a team with many young players and will learn for the future.
“We’ll see how we are in three weeks and play another great game against Juventus.”
Are Bayern distracted by Guardiola’s announcement he will be joining Manchester City next season?
“I don’t know, you’d have to ask them, but it seems to me as if they ran hard. We kept the ball and tried to attack as well as possible.”