THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Heynckes: “It’s an important match for us”

Lahm, Heynckes, Bhutia, Perschke

Lahm, Heynckes, Bhutia, Perschke

FC Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes, captain Philipp Lahm and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger faced the media at the pre-match press conference today evening.

The Germans were joined by All India Football Federation general secretary Kushal Das, India coach Savio Medeira, star skipper Baichung Bhutia and Audi head Michael Perschke on the stage.

The Bayern trio reached the venue directly from the airport [read here] and they were overwhelmed by the reception by the national and international media. A total of approximately 150 journalist, TV crews and photographers attended the press conference.

India coach Savio Medeira took the occasion to welcome the visitors to India. “I would like to welcome the Bayern Munich team in India,” Savio stated.

“Everyone knows the difference of standards of Indian and German football,” Savio told. “So it is a great experience for us. I hope the people will enjoy the match.”

Savio’s counterpart Jupp Heynckes made clear that he and his players are taking the match serious and that Bayern are here to show some quality football.

“We are preparing for the second half of the Bundesliga season and it’s an important match for us,” Heynckes said. “We will field the best team against India.”

“It is Baichung Bhutia’s farewell game and we want to play serious football,” the experienced Bayern coach added.

Bayern and Germany captain Philipp Lahm is looking forward to the game and he confirmed the statement by his coach.

“We want to win the match,” Lahm told. “We want to show what top European football is all about.”

The Bayern trio were reluctant to make any predictions on the result. “It is difficult to make any prediction,” Bastian Schweinsteiger said. “We want to win!”

PICTURES FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE ARE AVAILABLE AT
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.346283105401059.96952.117552418274130&type=3

More statements and pictures to follow shortly on www.chrispd.de and www.facebook.com/cpd81!