Bayern Munich captain Joshua Kimmich stresses importance of defence

In the first leg of the 2024-25 Champions League play-offs, Bayern Munich played away to Celtic and won 2-1. Bayern Munich captain Joshua Kimmich stressed the importance of defense.

Bayern Munich led 2-0 in the game, but Celtic scored a goal in the 79th minute to pull one point back. Bayern Munich's defense held on to the end and won the game. In the post-match interview, Kimmich analyzed the game and said: "We managed to keep it quiet for a long time."

"But towards the end of the game it got really loud. After 2-0 we lost some control and the other fans lit up the atmosphere. It's always difficult to completely control a game for 95 minutes."

"This is what we ask of ourselves, but it's not easy to do it here, especially when Celtic got their rhythm back. I think it was unnecessary to concede a goal. Before that, we had done a good job of limiting the opponent's attack."

"It was important to defend until the end today. We did that and Neuer made a few great saves. Overall, it was a very good game for the team's spirit. Today we focused on defending and we know how important it is to avoid mistakes in the Champions League."

"In the previous away games, we paid a heavy price for our mistakes. Today's game showed that we have made progress and it is a learning process. We must continue with this momentum."

Bayern Munich's Champions League play-off second leg will be played at home against Celtic on February 19. Before that, Bayern Munich will have another Bundesliga game away to Leverkusen.