"With a bit of luck we'd have got the second goal"

Roman, it is so often the way for a keeper that he – much like you today – can have an outstanding game but still finish on the losing side. What's your take on the match?
"We lost the match in the first half. We didn't perform in the way we know we can or implement what the coach had asked of us. We then wanted to win the second half and show our spirit, willingness to run and aggression. We did so relatively well and with a bit of luck, we'd have got the second goal. But in the end it wasn't to be."

Of course, you're all feeling disappointed right now and you must be happy to have finally got to the end of the year. But how great is the desire to carry over this development from the last few weeks into the New Year?
"The desire is there, absolutely. Even though the match has just finished, I can still acknowledge that we played well in the second half. Bayern retreated, we had them pinned back and played the game in their half. It was good for every player to see that. We're mostly able to do what the coach asks of us. So for us at the moment, it's a very good thing that the break won't last so long and that the coach will soon have time to work with us again, and have even more time to prepare us for the games."

"Now things are on the up for everyone again"

That was the last competitive match of a year which has had all the highs and lows that life on and off the pitch has to offer. What will you remember from this year?
"I'm a person who prefers to focus on the positives. We made a brilliant start and put together an incredible run, setting a record without conceding goals. We can all be very proud of that. Focusing on this positive gives me energy. And I've needed that in recent times. I've also had difficult spells and I'm happy to have people around me who support me. Now things are on the up for everyone again, I hope." (djg)