Bayern maintained their 100 percent record in the Bundesliga with a 3-0 victory away to Darmstadt 98 on Saturday, a result much to Pep Guardiola’s liking. “It’s not easy to come here and win after playing in the Champions League,” said the coach, singling out Joshua Kimmich and Sebastian Rode for special praise and making no secret of his delight at Javi Martínez’ comeback.
REACTION TO DARMSTADT V BAYERN:
Pep Guardiola: “I’m very, very pleased. Our approach to the game was excellent. We conceded very few corners and free-kicks, and we battled well. It’s not easy to come here and win after playing in the Champions League. I’m delighted for Javi Martínez, I’ve really missed him over the last year. I’m also very pleased with Kimmich and Rode. Both deserve more playing minutes than I can give them, and they’ve shown me that again today.”
Sebastian Rode: “The early lead was important. Darmstadt play a simple game, but they play it very well. They made a couple of chances, but we shut them out in the second half and we ultimately deserved the victory. Every footballer wants to play, but if you see who Bayern send out onto the field, it’s not easy to get into the team. You have to wait for your chance. Today, I’ve proved again that I can do it. I’m delighted.”
Joshua Kimmich: “Every kid who plays football dreams of appearing in the Bundesliga one day. If you then do so for Bayern it’s obviously massive and I’m really thrilled today.”
Dirk Schuster (Darmstadt coach): “The opening goal was a case of hit and hope. We defended very well until the 60th minute. We restricted them to very few chances from open play and showed we were willing to try and get at them. We wanted to irritate Bayern for as long as possible, but we let in the second and the third in quick succession and it was exhibition stuff from Bayern after that. It was a deserved win and the right margin of victory.”
