Hats Hummels and Bayern Munich earned a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Tuesday. The defender has explained exactly how they were able to stop an intimidating Liverpool side.
It was a frustrating night for Liverpool who knew their best chance of qualification lay in a win. Bayern, on the other hand, knew that a draw was a fine result.
It’s the common situation in Champions League ties but especially for Liverpol. The Reds blew both Manchester City and AS Roma away with overwhelming home displays last season, making the return legs redundant.
The Bavarians had to avoid that and they did so, earning a 0-0.
And Hummels has explained how Bayern went to Anfield and got what others couldn’t.
Hummels on Anfield
“We were able to restrain Liverpool’s pace,” he said, according to the Echo. “We wanted to stop the opponent from breaking free on a counter with their three pacey attackers – we did a good job.
“Our back four was focused on defence. We did not offer as many spaces as in the league.
“Kovac set the plan and we put it into reality. The plan worked out. We wanted to keep the fans quiet. They tried to be loud but then we took some time off the clock and played the ball through our defence.”
Silencing Anfield was always going to be key for Bayern as, Hummels says.
It can be a powerful force in a game like this, especially as Liverpool play such a high-octane style that works so well with the crowd. Bayern were able to take the energy out of Liverpool and the atmosphere, however.
It sets up an interesting second leg. Liverpool won’t have the same crowd to feed off but they will still need to chase a goal.
Bayern won’t be able to play the same strategy, though. They’re going to have to push out more, leave more space, and hope that Liverpool can’t capitalise without the crowd.