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UEFA Champions League 08 August 2022, 17:15

Alexander Nübel: "It's a final and we have to win it"

Alexander Nübel: "It's a final and we have to win it"
The day before the third preliminary round second leg of the Champions League, to be played at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, we heard from Alexander Nübel. After snatching a draw in the first leg, the German goalkeeper's teammates will have to deliver a win to move on, and he said as much front of the media.

On the eve of the team’s trip to the Netherlands for the third preliminary round return of the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven, our goalkeeper Alexander Nübel spoke with journalists on Monday afternoon.

On the team’s chances of qualification

In the first leg, they were a big opponent, but we had  opportunities to win the match. PSV were good especially on the break, but we defended very well. Tomorrow, we will have to do the same as what we managed  at the Stade Louis-II. Tomorrow, we will also have to face the atmosphere of the Philips Stadion, but we have every chance of qualifying.

We were lacking in our finishing but we had plenty of potential to win.
Alex NübelOn the first leg against PSV

Last year’s win

I don’t think it plays a huge role apart from having more at stake. Last year we faced each other in the Europa League. This is the Champions League so it is nothing alike! It’s a final and we have to win it to qualify.

The squad’s European experience

After our journey last season, we now have a shared experience with this additional season. For me, that’s an important advantage in a game like this. On a more personal level, I have more confidence in myself with a full season spent at the Club. We are better prepared and I know what we are capable of.

It's a final and we have to win to qualify.
Alex NübelOn the return leg against PSV

On the possibility of penalties

I’m going to analyze this with Frederic De Boever, (the goalkeeping coach) Thomas (Didillon) and Yann (Liénard) even if we always do it before each match. During a penalty shootout, you necessarily need a bit of luck, but an attacker has more to lose than a goalkeeper!

Rise. Risk. Repeat.