Gigi Buffon admits he “didn’t expect Bayern to be this good” and revealed his father was harsher on him than Franz Beckenbauer.
Gigi Buffon admits he “didn’t expect Bayern to be this good” and revealed his father was harsher on him than Franz Beckenbauer.
“If we had regrets after the first leg at not playing our best game, me especially, we were curious to see what the real difference was between us and the elite of European football. In all honesty, they have something more,” Buffon told Mediaset after a 2-0 home defeat.
“If the target is Bayern Munich, then I don’t know what we need to reach them, as they have everything it takes to win this tournament. They have great technique, physicality, quick thinking, experience and have been together for a long time.
“All these qualities mean they deserved to win, but I will candidly admit I didn’t expect them to be this good. We were concerned, but I was convinced we could play on a par with anyone in the quarter-final draw. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as they showed they were superior.
“I want to underline the attitude of the Juventus fans was wonderful, as they showed how sporting and intelligent they are to appreciate the efforts. What we put on the field was the most we could do right now and we thank them for their support.
Beckenbauer caused outrage after the first leg when he said Buffon “looked like a pensioner” in Munich.
“Many asked me why I didn’t answer in stronger terms, but at the end of the day I didn’t take it as an insult. It was a comment, one that was probably avoidable, but it was a joke and one that can be understood. At times we footballers take ourselves a bit too seriously.
“My father asked me after the game if I was drunk, so I think he was harsher than Beckenbauer! I honestly don’t get upset, because I know what my career has been and how well I’ve been doing over the past two years. I got it wrong in Munich, but that can happen – we are not infallible.
“Seeing Bayern’s superiority over both legs, maybe it was better that we made those mistakes then, as we will avoid doing the same in a more balanced tie.”