Van Gaal: My exit makes Inter tie more difficult
Reuters - Monday 14 March 2011, 16:00
MUNICH - Bayern Munich coach
Louis van Gaal says his side's task in the Champions League
against Inter Milan has been made more difficult since last
week's announcement of his departure at the end of the season.
"I think (the Inter game) is more difficult now than before
this decision because I am a relationship coach, the players
have a social and emotional relationship with me and my staff,"
he told reporters on Monday ahead of Tuesday's last 16 tie.
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Bayern take a 1-0 lead into the home leg over the holders
after a last-gasp victory in the San Siro last month and are
fresh from a 6-0 rout of Hamburg SV on Saturday, after which
many players said they felt "liberated".
However Van Gaal reiterated that last week's news of the
joint decision to terminate his contract, due to finish in 2012,
was still on the players' minds.
"These emotional ties are now under greater pressure.
"A professional must always be focused on the game but it is
not always easy. Everything has an influence on a player and
their daily form and how they work with other players."
The Dutchman, whose team are out of the running for all
domestic titles after an erratic season and even risk missing
out on the Champions League spots for next season, at least has
the odds in his favour.
In order to advance, Inter, who beat Bayern 2-0 in last
season's final, must become only the second team in Champions
League history to overturn a first leg home defeat with a second
leg away win.
According to UEFA statistics, the only team to have ever
managed that was Ajax Amsterdam during the 1995/96 season, whose
coach at the time was Van Gaal.
"The UEFA people told me so far only one team have managed
it. So statistically we have the advantage," said the
59-year-old, who looked relaxed and even enjoyed a joke with his
player Mario Gomez.
With the striker speaking before his coach, Van Gaal slipped
into the news conference room, sat next to reporters and even
asked a question to Gomez, who has scored 28 goals in 36 games
in all competitions this season.
"In what minute will you score," asked Van Gaal.
"What minute would you like me to score, coach?" replied
Gomez, who was on target in the 90th minute to give Bayern a
precious away win in the San Siro.