© EuroFootball.com
After a humiliating defeat in the Champions League round of 16, Leverkusen's "Bayer" coach Robin Dutt did not spare compliments for the opponents and defended German football.
The country's vice-champions suffered a heavy 1-7 defeat in Barcelona against the local club, with an overall score of 2-10 in two matches.
"It is not fair to question German football just because 'Bayer' lost 1-7," said the specialist. "Valencia, who was in our group, lost 1-5 at 'Camp Nou,' other Spanish teams have stumbled and lost 0-8. So let's not doubt German football because of one evening."
And he continued: "We need to appreciate how our opponents created such a concept and philosophy that allows them to gain such an advantage over their rivals. If you want to beat Barcelona, everything has to go right for you, but for them - nothing."
Dutt emphasized the need to talk about the power of the Catalans, not the weaknesses of "Bayer": "I don't think you can blame my team for giving up too early. After the second goal, the hosts relaxed and started playing more freely.
"Let's emphasize how powerful the opponent was, combining the three great elements of football: technique, tactics, and team spirit. When all these elements come together, all that's left is to admire. It's painful that we had to be rivals tonight."
