Lack Of Goals Doesn’t Bother Guardiola

Coach Pep Guardiola made no apology for Bayern Munich’s lack of goals in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
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This was an off-key performance from Bayern, who managed just two first-half shots, as they began a busy period of five matches in 14 days, including Wednesday’s final Champions League group game at home to CSKA Moscow.
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“People expect two, three or four goals from us, but I knew it would be difficult against Bayer Leverkusen,” said Guardiola as Franck Ribery’s 51st-minute winning goal kept Bayern seven points clear.
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“Except for the first ten minutes, we didn’t give them any chance to score, which is very good from my team, because I know how dangerous Bayer Leverkusen are.
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“Our final pass was missing in the first-half, but I am happy because I know how strong Leverkusen are.”
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Bayern took the lead when winger Ribery volleyed home from a corner to claim his 100th competitive goal for the club in all competitions on his 186th league appearance – the most for a French player in the Bundesliga.
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“He is one of the best foreign players in the history of this club,” said Guardiola.
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The Bavarian giants remain seven points clear of nearest league challengers Wolfsburg after beating fourth-placed Leverkusen, who remain the last team to beat Bayern at the Allianz Arena, back in October 2012.
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“It was important for the team to get the win, especially before our Champions League game at home and three Bundesliga games in quick succession,” said Ribery.
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“It won’t be easy, but that was a good start.”
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Bayern host Moscow with their Champions League’s last 16 place already secured as group winners before facing third-placed Augsburg away.
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They then host Freiburg before playing Mainz away with those three league games being played in the space of six days.