Klinsmann relieved after win

Klinsmann pleased if not relieved with topping Group F

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 10th December 2008  

Klinsmann relieved after win

Ribery: Star man in win

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Bayern Munich boss Jurgen Klinsmann admitted his side had a mental let-down despite Wednesday's 3-2 UEFA Champions League win over Lyon.

Bayern struck three times before the break thanks to goals from Franck Ribery and a Miroslav Klose brace to take a commanding lead into the interval.

But the German side capitulated in the second half as Lyon fought back with goals from Sidney Govou and Karim Benzema.

Bayern managed to hang on to their lead, but boss Klinsmann feels pole position should have been guaranteed earlier in the game than the final whistle.

"I think we missed out on our opportunities of making it 4-0 and then mentally relaxed a bit," Klinsmann said.

"We made two mistakes and I think it was down to a lack of concentration. You can't do that against such a good side as Lyon."

Sparkling

Ribery marked his first return to France since his move to Germany with a sterling performance and deservedly claimed the man-of-the-match award.

The 25-year-old French international was involved in all three of Bayern's goals, including a cool side-foot after 34 minutes.

And Ribery was fully aware of Lyon's fighting spirit from his time in the French league.

"We played extremely well in the first half but I told my team-mates at half-time it would be tough because I knew Lyon would fight," Ribery said.

"It was a great Champions League match with a great half from each side and plenty of goals. I'm sure the fans enjoyed it."

Hard luck

Lyon's first goalscorer Govou felt the luck went against the home side in the first half, but the Frenchman admitted the Ligue 1 champions suffered with defensive frailties.

"Bayern had a bit of luck in that first half but it's true we were too naive," said Govou.

"Coming back when you're 3-0 down against Bayern in a Champions League match is almost impossible but we nearly did it. If only we had played the whole match the way we did the second half."