Germany's Bayern beat France's Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final and won the honorary trophy for the sixth time in history. By this indicator, the Munich team caught up with Liverpool and took third place in history. In addition, Hans-Dieter Flick's wards have won a record 11th in a row victory in the current tournament, as well as a treble for the second time in history. Previously, the Bavarians celebrated their success in the championship and the German Cup.
After the end of the match, Flick admired the actions of his players, especially noting Manuel Neuer. In key moments, the German goalkeeper made a number of saves and helped Bayern to win the title of the strongest team in the Old World for the second time in seven years.
“Many people deserve the most flattering words after this victory. In the winter we showed how serious our attitude is, and for the coach this is the best that he can see. The game took place at high speeds, the revs were incredible and both teams created chances. The best goalkeeper in the world, Manuel Neuer, is playing for us, and at some points he allowed us to stay in the game, ”the press service of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) quotes Flick.
The meeting turned out to be very tense, and in the first half the teams failed to score goals. In addition, already in the 25th minute, Flick was forced to replace the central defender. Jerome Boateng was injured, and instead of him came the less agile Niklas Süle. This could be a key factor, because the attacking line of PSG includes the ultra-fast Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
“We played very well, although many wondered how Bayern were going to defend against an opponent with such an outstanding attack line. I think we did a great job in this regard. The attitude to business was appropriate, ”Flick admitted.
The only goal for the Bavarians was scored by former Paris Saint-Germain player Kingsley Coman. The midfielder responded to Josua Kimmich's pass and hit his head to score Bayern's 500th goal in the tournament.
“Coman may have finally come out of the shadow of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben this season. He is very talented and today has shown that he can also score goals, ”Flick said.
It is worth noting that the German specialist also wrote his name in history. Thus, 55-year-old Flick took over from Jurgen Klopp and became the sixth German coach to win the Champions League or European Cup. At the same time, only three specialists managed to achieve such success at a more mature age - Alex Ferguson, Jupp Heynckes and Raymond Guthals.
In turn, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel did not blame his charges for the unsuccessful outcome of the confrontation with the German grandee. He acknowledged that PSG players "left their hearts on the field" and expressed pride in showing character.
“The goal is all that we lacked today. We created chances, but the opponents scored. I am sure that if we had distinguished ourselves, we would have won with the same score 1: 0. We had very good stretches and moments when we had to endure. As a result, the implementation failed. Of course, we want Kilian (Mbappe. - RT ) and Neymar to always score, but it is impossible to ask for this, "Tuchel lamented.
He marked both players separately.
“I am proud of Neymar, who again showed his highest class and strong character. For Mbappe, the game was difficult, because he had a serious injury, he missed most of the training process. It's just a miracle that he is here with us now, ”the German specialist noted.
After the end of the meeting, Neymar was one of the most inconsolable. The Brazilian footballer could not hold back his tears right on the field.
In turn, the author of the only goal Comane experienced completely different emotions. At 24, the Frenchman also won his 20th professional trophy, which is a phenomenal achievement.
"I am very happy. An incredible evening for the club and for all our fans. Of course, I wanted to play a good game, but it’s not my Parisian past, but that I’m one hundred percent Bavarian. And I was determined to win. But at the same time, I feel sorry for PSG, because I am from Paris, ”Coman admitted.
At the same time, Neuer, who kept his goal intact, could well claim the title of the best football player of the meeting.
“It's a bit difficult to answer questions after experiencing such a storm of emotions after the final whistle. We made our dream a reality. No, we were not overly relaxed in the initial phase of the attacks. Perhaps there was a little lack of confidence. But in the end, everyone had a hand in victory, this is our team achievement. I have never experienced such a pleasure from the game, and all thanks to this team, "- admitted Neuer.
During the playoffs, the goalkeeper admitted that he considered the current Bayern squad to be stronger than the one that won the Champions League in 2013. Seven years later, only five people from that league roster remained in the team - in addition to Neuer himself, these are Thomas Muller, Xavi Martinez, Jerome Boateng and David Alaba.
In turn, Robert Lewandowski, although he did not make effective actions in the final, became the top scorer of the Champions League. The Polish striker has 15 goals, five more than Erling Holland of Borussia Dortmund. At the same time, he scored 55 goals in all tournaments, and his closest pursuer is the owner of the Golden Boot Ciro Immobile, who has 39 goals.
"Never stop dreaming. Never give up if you fail. Work hard to reach your goal, ”Lewandowski wrote on Twitter.
Pass author Yosua Kimmich admitted that this day was "the main one in his career," and Alfonso Davis shared his opinion on his unique achievement. The defender became the first Canadian footballer to take the main trophy of the tournament.
“Who would have thought that a guy from Canada would win the Champions League? If two years ago someone had told me about this, I would definitely not have believed it. In childhood, you can only dream of this ... By my example I want to show others that this is possible. How nice it is to stand here with a medal around my neck, with a cup a few steps away from me, ”admitted Davis.
Unsurprisingly, the losers weren't as willing to talk to the press as the winners of the competition. One of those who agreed to answer the questions of journalists was the captain of the nominal owners Thiago Silva.
“This was my last game for PSG. I'm sad. I apologize to the fans and thank them for all their love for me. I will return to Paris Saint-Germain, to the club that I love, but in a different role. I want to play for another three or four years and compete at the World Championship in Qatar, ”Silva shared his plans.
Also, the Parisian midfielder Ander Herrera shared his impressions. The Spaniard expressed the opinion that they, together with their partners, did everything possible to win, but at the decisive moment they were let down by the implementation.
“We created five or six chances. They had two or three, but they scored one goal in the second half. We feel sorry for our fans, because we understand how important this victory was for them and for the club. Now we should think and remember how much we have achieved this season, what kind of team we have formed. We won four trophies but lost in the Champions League final. I think not deservedly, ”said Herrera.
At the same time, Marquinhos expressed the opinion that Paris Saint-Germain managed to exceed the expectations of the fans.
“You don't have to participate in the finals, you have to win them. We couldn't. But we are proud of our team. Nobody else believed that we would go this far. And now there is disappointment, because now we wanted even more, ”the defender admitted.