Kahn: 'We have a fifty-fifty chance now'

FCBayernNews · News fetcher Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 1395 votes: 2

22.02.2007

Mark van Bommel's late goal at the Bernabeu on Tuesday prompted unrestrained joy at the opposite end of the field: Oliver Kahn charged 15 or 20 metres around his penalty box, before collapsing backwards onto the turf, performing a celebratory roll, leaping back to his feet and emitting a scream of delight.

The Bayern captain reckoned the goal marked the turning point for a club struggling to meet its own high expectations this term. "I'm totally convinced of it. We've been rewarded for our desire, and that could be the impulse we need to return to winning ways in the Bundesliga."

Interview: Oliver Kahn

Question: Oliver Kahn, you've always insisted the details made the difference. Was the goal to make the final score 3-2 the big moment?

Oliver Kahn: "I'm totally convinced of it. We've been rewarded for our desire, and that could be the impulse we need to return to winning ways in the Bundesliga."

Question: Isn't it a little curious that a defeat might restore your self-belief?

Kahn: "There are many different types of defeat. This defeat feels more like a win. At 3-1, I had a feeling we might even end up losing 4-1 or 5-1, which would have made it very, very difficult. And 3-2 is a far better result than 1-0."

Question: But it's not suddenly put an end to your problems, has it?

Kahn: "Obviously we'll analyse our mistakes. We've conceded two goals from set plays, although Beckham is incredibly dangerous from those. It's just not possible to change everything overnight. We've had problems throughout the season. You need time to do your work. I believe this 3-2 defeat is a real step forward."

Question: Everyone thought David Beckham was on the way out, but he had a great game. But you didn't want him to crown his performance, you made a great save from his free-kick...

Kahn: "It was a total guess. I watched videos beforehand, and he curls his free-kicks over the wall 80 percent of the time. Obviously that leaves another 20 percent... I took a step towards that corner first, which is how I got to the ball."

Question: How would you rate Bayern's chances of making the quarter-finals?

Kahn: "Basically very good. Real are a shade better away from home, but this is a chance for the Allianz Arena crowd to show they can create an intimidating atmosphere. The stadium will be full, the fans will be on fire, they'll be at boiling point. It will be a sensational match. Everything's possible if we get an early goal. We have a fifty-fifty chance now."

Question: What has to happen in the Bundesliga?

Kahn: "We must make progress. We must finish third. Bayern Munich have to qualify for the Champions League. Not competing is unimaginable. Every match from now on is essential to our existence."

Question: Lucio has taken a lot of flak recently, especially for getting forward too much. Was he rehabilitated today?

Kahn: "It's not really about him getting forward. Today's bursts were more clever, intelligent, better timed. That's what Ottmar Hitzfeld has been telling him. His goal came from a set-piece, when he'd be up front in any case, and that's where he's strong. Lucio was world class, not just because of his goal."

Question: Is the change of coach beginning to bear fruit?

Kahn: "Restoring our belief is enormously important. At half-time, we were sitting there with our heads down, although there was basically no need for that. Ottmar Hitzfeld is slowly but surely restoring the team's belief and confidence."