Bayern Munich will face Liverpool in this season’s Champions League round of 16, and both Arjen Robben and Manuel Neuer are confident they can get the win.
The 2018-19 Champions League round of 16 draw took place yesterday, and Bayern Munich were drawn against arguably the toughest team in pot two, Liverpool. Though the Bavarians would have been considered firm favorites in the past, the argument could perhaps be made that they’ll enter the tie as underdogs this season.
Liverpool were one of last year’s Champions League finalists, ultimately losing to Real Madrid 3-1 in May. They finished second in their group this go around, falling behind group winners Paris Saint-Germain but narrowly edging past Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli.
Despite their inconsistency in European play, Jurgen Klopp’s men have remained steady in the Premier League this season. They haven’t lost a game yet in the competition and sit one point above Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
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Their renaissance under Klopp has been impressive, but Bayern Munich should still feel confident heading into their match-up later this season according to Manuel Neuer (fcbayern.com).
"“They’re having a very good season and we know they were in the Champions League final last year. They certainly won’t be delighted with the draw, either. They can counter quickly and they’re dangerous in front of goal, but they’re also vulnerable, as we’ve seen, and they’ll be up against a good Bayern attack. It’ll be a great game both at Liverpool and also at home at the Allianz Arena.”"
Arjen Robben didn’t give his thoughts on how Bayern might perform, but he was full of respect for Klopp’s side.
"“It’s an epic match. Liverpool are a super team who have gone through a great development. They have big players, a lot of pace and creativity in attack and they’re a real unit. The atmosphere will be phenomenal. It’s just a great draw. It’s a dream for every player to be involved in a game like this.”"
Several others gave their thoughts on the mouthwatering tie, each sharing their excitement to participate in it. David Alaba and Serge Gnabry praised their future opponents, while Niklas Sule asserted his confidence that the Bavarians will come out on top. Niko Kovac reassured that he was “very confident that will come out on top.”
No matter who comes out on top, one thing is certain: this is the must-watch match-up of the round of 16. Bayern will have to be prepared to deal with Liverpool’s lightning-quick attack if they want to have a chance to win. Tomorrow’s match against RB Leipzig, spearheaded by German international Timo Werner, provides them the perfect opportunity to see how they hold up against pacy, clinical strikers.