ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI WAS critical of Niko Kovac’s “defensive” tactics in Bayern Munich’s 3-1 aggregate Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
Bayern left Anfield last month with what was widely regarded as a commendable 0-0 draw, but they were second best in last night’s return leg in Munich.
Sadio Mane put Liverpool ahead in the 26th minute, and although a Joel Matip own goal late in the half gave Bayern hope, it did not last long.
Virgil van Dijk made it 2-1 21 minutes from time and Mane wrapped things up late on, giving Liverpool a deserved away win at the Allianz Arena.
Lewandowski was left with little doubt that the team’s tactics were to blame.
“We knew that it would be a very tough game, but I think in both games we were playing too defensive,” the Poland international told Viasport.
“We didn’t try to push forward and create situations, also in the first game we didn’t risk so much. We played at home, but that wasn’t our game and that’s why they beat us.
“I think we played too deep, didn’t want to make too many risks, and I don’t know why. We tried to push Liverpool, but in offence it was two versus four players and that’s why we didn’t match them. That wasn’t our game.
“I had a lot of duels, not just with the one player, and it was very difficult because I was alone sometimes, and I didn’t have help also and I couldn’t do some things.
“It was very difficult. If you’re alone against two or three good players, it’s difficult. If you see both games, maybe we didn’t risk enough and that’s why we are out now.”
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When will this blatant poor refereeing end.
@Barry Kelleher: never. Ref mistakes are part and parcel of the game. Even VAR won’t eliminate mistakes
@IrishSportives.ie: Things that are up to interpretation will probably never be fully corrected but both of these decisions would have been overturned.
@IrishSportives.ie: Decision wasn’t even a close one as he was clearly off
@Barry Kelleher: where was Var?
Every game for about three months now Man City have gotten decisions in their favour. Bad ones too, going right back to Kompany cleaning out Salah as the last man but getting a yellow… Offsides, penalties. It’s remarkable.
@James Doyle: poor James
@David Weston: you get me wrong, man. I’m delighted City have another game in April.
Just pointing out the reality of this incredible lucky streak they’re on with refs, and keeping in mind the old maxim “it all evens out over a season”.
There’s some evening out to be had, in that case. And that will be fun.
Offside winner and the penalty was never a foul. VAR can’t come soon enough.
The more games they play the better for Liverpool
@Willy Motley: go on….
Was a great tackle to win the ball for pen. How could they not see change in flight. Var should be in every stadium
@Yorkie1892: it is in Swanseas stadium but can’t be used as there not in the top division of the game was at the eitihad car would have been used
@Colm Connolly: Ridiculous though, they had VAR there last season but they went down a division so the FA won’t have it implemented there.
It’s a shame such a prestigious cup is rigged
It was a valiant effort overshadowed by poor refereeing. Bercant Celina has been electric all season. Come you Jacks.
@Succulent Goujons: and Danny James tearing Otamendi and Laporte new ones. Shame they aren’t that motivated more often!
Selective VAR introduction making a mockery of the FA Cup yet again..