Champions League: Villarreal vs Bayern, Nagelsmann wary
Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann is wary of Villarreal’s ability to change up their formations ahead of the UCL first leg of the quarter-finals.
Villarreal got themselves a huge win over Juventus, which sealed their spot in the last eight. Since then, though, their luck has run dry. They lost their next two games to Cádiz (1-0) and Levante (2-0). They will now host Bayern Munich at Estadio de la Ceramica for the first leg of the quarter-final game on Wednesday. You can follow all the action live right here on AS USA.
Despite the two disappointing road losses, Villarreal are on a nine-game undefeated streak at home. They tied both Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid.
Bayern, on the other hand, have not lost an away game in the Champions League since September 2017. Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann knows that Villarreal should not be taken lightly though.
“Villarreal are a very experienced team with the most LaLiga games per player in Spain,” said Nagelsmann.
Villarreal coach Unai Emery is no stranger to top level coaching and Nagelsmann acknowledges that.
“They have an internationally experienced coach, especially in the Europa League. They play four, five different formations, defend deeply in a 6-2-2. They defend very highly in a 4-2-2.”
“During the course of the game, they can change to a 3-4-3. They can play different formations, so we have to be prepared for different situations.”
“From a playing perspective, they are an experienced team that has gone through some things.”
“We will have to crack them first. I am optimistic though, that we can win.”