Hoeneß: It was as good as a win

After Champions League Matchday 2, Bayern continue to lead Group F with a two-point advantage over Lyon and Fiorentina. It was no surprise that Uli Hoeneß rated the 1-1 draw with Olympique in a positive light. “It was as good as a win,” declared the general manager. Coach Jürgen Klinsmann was satisfied after his men came back from a goal down: “I was impressed by the team today.“

Reaction to Bayern v Olympique Lyon

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: “It was basically a very good Champions League match from both teams. Lyon are a great team. Our players made a tremendous effort in the second half and deserved the equaliser. The result is OK. We can live with it because we’re still two points clear at the top of the table. The team played well and fought back. We can be hopeful about the future.“

Uli Hoeneß: “After the team got over the shock of conceding an unnecessary goal, they played with great discipline. What really pleased me was that after the fantastic equaliser, we didn’t just throw caution to the wind, because Lyon are a class act and you’re always in danger against a free-kick specialist like Juninho. Looking at the standings, today’s draw was as good as a win to us. The team has played very well against quality opposition, and it was chalk and cheese compared to the game in Hanover. I’m hoping we perform much better in the Bundesliga from now on.“

Jürgen Klinsmann: “It was an exciting encounter against a good footballing side from Lyon, who caused us lots of problems through Juninho’s free-kicks. They’re very difficult for the defenders and the goalkeeper to judge. But the team’s reaction was outstanding, increasing the pressure the whole time. The goal was just a matter of time, and we came close to a second. I was impressed by the team today. We have to live with a point although we’d have liked all three, but I think we’ve started well in the Champions League.“

Zé Roberto: “We tried to build up a head of steam at the start, but Lyon are strong in defence. We upped the attacking tempo in the second half. I was lucky with the headed goal. It was a fantastic cross from Miro Klose. Obviously it would have been better if we’d taken all three points, but overall we played well today.“

Miroslav Klose: “Lyon left a couple of men up front and tried to hit us on the break, so you can’t just throw everything into attack. They certainly did what they did very well. I’ve picked up a cut on my left shin, so it was definitely a penalty. You mustn’t forget that Zé Roberto is the best header of the ball at the club (laughs).“