Bayern happy about Champions League draw against Besiktas

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- 2017 German champions Bayern Munich are happy about the draw for the round of the last 16 of the 2017/2018 Champions League. Meeting the Turkish side of Besiktas Istanbul, the Bavarians are lucky to avoid facing one of the big favorites such as Barcelona, Manchester City, and Manchester United, Real Madrid or FC Chelsea.

"In the end it did not turn out as a disadvantage to finish the group as second. It could have come worse than that if you consider duel's like Real Madrid against Paris St Germain," Bayern defender and German international Niklas Suele commented.

Bayern head coach Jupp Heynckes is talking about his team as one of the campaign's underdogs. "Other teams are the big favorites in this campaign. Certainly, we can do well and get far. But what counts is to be ready in spring time for the knockouts," the 72-year-old quoted.

Heynckes said his side wouldn't underestimate Istanbul but take them as a strong opponent. "Besiktas is far from a lucky draw. They survived the group unbeaten and won four of the six games," Bayern's coach stressed.

Bayern sports director and former Munich professional Hasan Salihamidzic said his side is aware of the excellent shape of the Besiktas Istanbul. "We have watched them closely as they were in the group of RB Leipzig. To play them is a challenge for every club as it is for us," Salihamidzic emphasized.

He called it a disadvantage to first play at home. "But we are strong enough to survive, and we accept what we got," the Munich director told German media.

In 1997 Bayern last crossed swords with Besiktas, beating the opponents 2-0 in both games.

Having to face an underdog team like Besiktas is a lucky draw for the 2013 treble winner and could open doors for a successful campaign as some of the so-called big son's will be eliminated for the round of the last eight.

On the other hand, Bayern will have to accept the role as the favorite which puts the Bavarians under pressure having to beat Besiktas. To be eliminated would cause huge disappointment.

Bayern striker Thomas Mueller and defender Joshua Kimmich are looking forward to experiencing the enthusiastic audience in Istanbul. "I admit we are not sad about this draw. We are the favorites, but we have to go full speed to make it to the next round. Besiktas has quality. I saw them crush Leipzig in the group," Mueller said.

Kimmich said "it is a good draw for us. We could have met bigger clubs. I have never been to Istanbul but have heard about the enthusiastic spectators. I am looking forward to this duel, but it is clear we have to make it."

Corentin Tolisso is looking forward to meeting Besiktas. "Last year I played with Lyon against them. The atmosphere in their arena is fantastic. It is a lot of fun to play football while fans celebrate like that," Bayern's French midfielder stated.

Dutch striker Arjen Robben is demanding the best possible preparation of his side. Most important would be to achieve a good result in the first game in Munich. "If you talk about Besiktas as an underdog you better watch their performance in their group. The duel against them is far from a piece of cake," the former Dutch international commented. Enditem