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Vieirinha Interview

Jonathan Harding (Wolfsburg)December 9, 2015

Vieirinha finished off an exquisite team-move to help Wolfsburg to a 3-2 win over Manchester United and reach the Last 16. DW's Jonathan Harding caught up with the Portuguese wide man at the Volkswagen Arena.

https://p.dw.com/p/1HJYo
Fußball Championsleague - VfL Wolfsburg vs Manchester United
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo

DW: Was it a surprise that you beat Manchester United tonight?

Vieirinha: No. We knew it would be a difficult game, but we also knew we could beat them. I think in the first game in Old Trafford we showed what we can do and I think tonight we played superbly and the result cannot be contested.

What about that goal? Talk me through it.

Yeah, it's a beautiful goal. The beginning of it was amazing. The combination of Julian Draxler and Max Kruse was amazing and as I just said, I had the easy job of just putting the ball into the net.

Do you prefer playing right back or right midfield?

I like to play. I like to help the team. I'm used to playing both positions. I feel comfortable playing in attack, but I also feel comfortable if I play right back.

What about the next round?

It's a historic night for Wolfsburg. We must enjoy the moment. We have time to think about our next opponent, but as I said before, all the teams into the next round are experienced Champions League teams. It's something new for us to play after the group stages in the Champions League, so we'll enjoy the moment and think about it later.

Deutschland Fußball Champions League VfL Wolfsburg - Manchester United
Vieirinha found the back of the net to give Wolfsburg the lead against Manchester UnitedImage: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Stratenschulte

Which teams have you liked watching in the Champions League this season?

There are so many good teams. You have Barca. You have Real Madrid, who played a great game tonight. These are the names you don't want to meet in the next round, but it's new for us, we must enjoy the moment and think about it later.

What do you think other teams will think of Wolfsburg having seen them tonight?

At the very least, they must have respect for us. It's not easy to beat Manchester United, even though, as everyone knows, it's not the Manchester United of recent years but they have great players with a lot of quality, so to be first in a Champions League group is not easy. I think sides will respect us.

The 29-year-old Portugal international has been at VfL Wolfsburg since 2012 and is now an important player for Dieter Hecking. Vieirinha's goal against Manchester United was his first-ever strike in the UEFA Champions League.