Mauricio’s five-point preview vs Bayern Munich

We’re back in Champions League action on Tuesday and what a game – Matchday Two against Bayern Munich at the new stadium. Here are Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-match views…

1 – Southampton revisited
What had Saturday’s fine win against Southampton with 10 men done for the team?

Mauricio: “It showed that when we increase our concentration and focus, we can perform in the way we expect. It was tough after Serge Aurier received his second yellow card (31 minutes) and we conceded (for 1-1, 39 minutes). It was important to keep the spirit, to fight and how we scored our second goal was fantastic. It showed how together we are, the spirit we needed to feel again.”

2 – Perfect timing
Was that performance and the nature of the win ideal preparation ahead of Bayern Munich?

Mauricio: “It was perfect timing, after a difficult week, and so important to show our quality, togetherness and the spirit that makes us a special team. I am so happy. It showed that when we are all together, we can do amazing things. Now we have to keep going. We have a few games more before the international break and it’s so important to keep the same level of focus. It will be tough, starting against Bayern Munich.”

THIS IS A MOMENT TO ENJOY THE POSSIBILITY OF PLAYING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL AGAINST ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS IN EUROPE
Mauricio Pochettino

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3 – Bayern Munich
Bundesliga champions for the last seven seasons, Bayern Munich are top again in Germany – what is Mauricio expecting from the Bavarian giants?

Mauricio: “We all expect a very tough game. Bayern Munich are a great team, a great club, amazing players, great manager. It will be an exciting game. This is a moment to enjoy the possibility of playing Champions League football against one of the best teams in Europe.”

4 – Exciting times
How did Mauricio feel about the challenge of taking on Niko Kovac’s team?

Mauricio: “I’m so excited because when you are in football as a player or a manager you want to be involved in this type of game and a competition like the Champions League, playing against teams like Bayern Munich. This is a club that every season prepares to try to win the Champions League, their history says that. For sure, they are one of the contenders.”

Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac
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5 – Home sweet home
Just how important are home matches within a Champions League group stage?

Mauricio: “We hope to win tomorrow and to be in a better position than last season. Last season after three games we only had one point, no-one believed in us and after that, we reached the final of the Champions League. You need to be calm, to be strong in your mentality.”