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Julian Nagelsmann has been shocked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in which Bayern Munich boss admitted he was afraid of the consequences.
Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine on Thursday, to widespread condemnation. That conflict escalated on Friday, when the fighting reached the capital of Kiev, which is Munich’s twin city.
Bayern confirmed that their Allianz Arena stadium would be illuminated in the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag on Friday night to show solidarity with Ukraine.
Bayern played against Dynamo Kyiv in the group stage of this season’s Champions League, and Nagelsmann expressed his shock at seeing a city he and his team visited now in the middle of a war zone.
“How difficult is it to think about everyday life? It is clear that it is difficult, I am shocked, “he said at a press conference.
“I am also to a certain extent afraid that this will happen in a country where we only recently jogged across the track, then on the beautiful city [Kyiv] and now you see these terrible pictures from Ukraine.
“It’s not easy to talk about football. Of course, you think about your worries about continuing to do your job well, but if you look at the news, it makes you think a lot about what is going on and what the consequences will be.
“First of all for the people of Ukraine it is dramatic, it is shocking. Yesterday I read a very good sentence that said ‘there is no way to peace, peace is the way’. I think that should be the motto again so soon as possible.”
FC Bayern supports the city of Munich in taking a stand for peace and solidarity with Ukraine and the twin city of Kiev. This Friday night, the Allianz Arena will be lit in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) February 25, 2022
Russian politicians, certain high-profile individuals and companies have been hit by sanctions from many countries in response to the invasion.
In the field of sports, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called on federations planning to host events in Russia and Belarus that have supported the invasion to be relocated or canceled.
Manchester United have signed their sponsorship deal with Russian airline Aeroflot, Formula 1 has removed the Russian Grand Prix from its calendar, and UEFA has moved this season’s Champions League final from St. Petersburg. Petersburg to Paris.
Nagelsmann fully backed UEFA’s decision.
“First of all, it is good that UEFA decided quickly and decided on the right path,” he said. “It’s always good to have a quick decision and a good sign.”
Bundesliga leaders Bayern face Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
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