Kill me if Atletico knock Bayern out - Gaurdiola
The Spaniard insists his side's semi-final is not over yet and is confident the Bundesliga champions can overhaul Diego Simeone's men in the return leg on Tuesday
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has not given up hope of making it to the Champions League final despite losing the first leg of their semi-final 1-0 at Atletico Madrid .
A single Saul Niguez strike was enough to give Diego Simeone’s side victory at Vicente Calderon meaning the German champions face a tough test in the return at Allianz Arena.
However, Guardiola is confident his team can overhaul Atleti and also explained his decision to start the game without Thomas Muller.
"The reason was purely tactical. I just wanted to play with one striker,” he told reporters.
"My experience of playing with two centre-forwards is not good. I wanted more control, but I love playing with Thomas Muller.
"In Lisbon, Robert Lewandowski sat out but we won. Then it was not an issue.
"In the end, I have to make a decision. It's not over yet, we still have a chance. [If it goes wrong] then you can kill me!"
Guardiola’s side are in Bundesliga action this weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach where a win would see record a fourth successive Bundesliga title and the Spaniard is expecting a tough challenge.
“Our thoughts are only on Gladbach," he added. "They have a lot of quality. Alongside Dortmund they are perhaps the team in the Bundesliga with the most quality.
"They have good players, a good coach and a good sporting philosophy.
"We are not yet champions, but I hope the fans can celebrate tomorrow."
Guardiola also had little interest in discussing Bayern's apparent interest in Hummels, the Borussia Dortmund captain who has told the Westphalian club of his desire to rejoin the Bavarians before his contract at Signal Iduna Park expires in 2017.
"Not a question for me, sorry," was the response to a query on the issue put to Guardiola, who will leave Bayern at the end of the season to join Manchester City.
The former Barcelona coach was more forthcoming when asked about Jerome Boateng, however and revealed he is close to full fitness.
"If he is fit he is one of the best three central defenders. And if he is fit, he plays. No player is better than Jerome," he explained.
"I hope he can play tomorrow. But he will be ready for Tuesday.
"I also hope for Carlo Ancelotti that he remains healthy next season."
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has not given up hope of making it to the Champions League final despite losing the first leg of their semi-final 1-0 at Atletico Madrid .
A single Saul Niguez strike was enough to give Diego Simeone’s side victory at Vicente Calderon meaning the German champions face a tough test in the return at Allianz Arena.
However, Guardiola is confident his team can overhaul Atleti and also explained his decision to start the game without Thomas Muller.
"The reason was purely tactical. I just wanted to play with one striker,” he told reporters.
"My experience of playing with two centre-forwards is not good. I wanted more control, but I love playing with Thomas Muller.
"In Lisbon, Robert Lewandowski sat out but we won. Then it was not an issue.
"In the end, I have to make a decision. It's not over yet, we still have a chance. [If it goes wrong] then you can kill me!"
Guardiola’s side are in Bundesliga action this weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach where a win would see record a fourth successive Bundesliga title and the Spaniard is expecting a tough challenge.
“Our thoughts are only on Gladbach," he added. "They have a lot of quality. Alongside Dortmund they are perhaps the team in the Bundesliga with the most quality.
"They have good players, a good coach and a good sporting philosophy.
"We are not yet champions, but I hope the fans can celebrate tomorrow."
Guardiola also had little interest in discussing Bayern's apparent interest in Hummels, the Borussia Dortmund captain who has told the Westphalian club of his desire to rejoin the Bavarians before his contract at Signal Iduna Park expires in 2017.
"Not a question for me, sorry," was the response to a query on the issue put to Guardiola, who will leave Bayern at the end of the season to join Manchester City.
The former Barcelona coach was more forthcoming when asked about Jerome Boateng, however and revealed he is close to full fitness.
"If he is fit he is one of the best three central defenders. And if he is fit, he plays. No player is better than Jerome," he explained.
"I hope he can play tomorrow. But he will be ready for Tuesday.
"I also hope for Carlo Ancelotti that he remains healthy next season."
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