Bayern Munich's coach Pep Guardiola reacts during their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match against Real Madrid in Munich, April 29, 2014. REUTERS/Michael Dalder
MUNICH (Reuters) - Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola still believes in possession-based football and cannot alter his feelings about the way the game should be played, he said after the Champions League holders were hammered by Real Madrid on Tuesday. The former Barcelona boss was forced to defend his philosophy, already under fire in Germany, after his side were outclassed in their semi-final, second leg, losing 4-0 on the night and 5-0 on aggregate. "I know it's a tough night for us, for me and for the players," he told reporters, adding that Bayern lost because they had too little possession, not too much.
"The reason we did so badly in the first half is that we did not have possession. We didn't play with the ball. "Against Arsenal and against Manchester United (earlier in the competition) and in the first leg in Madrid, we played with the ball and we controlled the game. "We did not do it in the first half and when you don't have control against a great, great team like this, you don't have a chance." "The argument about my ideas is not valid," he added. "I can't change what I feel and what I feel is that we must play with the ball and attack as much as possible."
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
