Shaqiri: "We have got to be top at the end"
Bremen - His introduction from the bench turned the game around for FC Bayern Munich at Werder Bremen. With the visitors running out of ideas as to how to break down their defensive hosts, sprang from the bench to bring creativity and fresh verve to Bayern's build-up play.
The Bavarians returned home satisfied following their 2-0 win at the Weser Stadion, leaving them at the league summit with the maximum 18 points from six games.
Speaking to bundesliga.com after the final whistle, the Swiss midfielder reflected on the hard work in Bremen, Bayern's form and his first three months in Munich.
bundesliga.com Mr Shaqiri, was Bayern's absolute will to win what made the difference in Bremen?
Xherdan Shaqiri: Yes, that certainly made the difference in the end. In the first half, there was a lack of clear opportunities on both sides. It was also tough to create chances because Bremen were very defensive. In the second half, we wanted to change things and of course we are delighted that we scored two goals without conceding any.
bundesliga.com While you were warming up, did you already have an idea of what you wanted to improve to turn the game in your favour?
Shaqiri: No, not at all. When I am on the pitch, I always want to give my best and give everything for the team. I think all the players feel the same.
bundesliga.com Was this the most emotional victory so far for the team because it was such a hard-fought one?
Shaqiri: Every game is emotional when you win. It was hard graft in Bremen, but in the end we were more clinical than they were.
bundesliga.com In this kind of form, FC Bayern must win the league...
Shaqiri: Of course I hope so, but there is still a long way to go. At the moment, things are going well. We are top of the table and things are looking good, but we all know how quickly things can change in football. This is just how things stand at the moment.
bundesliga.com But nine wins in your first nine competitive games is pretty clear...
Shaqiri: Of course the statistics look positive, but what is important for us is that we are top at the end. For that to happen, we have to keep our concentration and keep working as we have been doing so far. We have the Champions League again in a few days and so the next game is always on the horizon.
bundesliga.com How would you summarise your first three months at Bayern?
Shaqiri: I've settled well and feel very comfortable at Bayern and I think you can see that out on the pitch. The team made it very easy for me to integrate myself. Everything's going exactly as I'd hoped it would.
Interview by Michael Reis.
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