Treble-chasing Bayern Munich are looking their second title this season in Saturday’s German Cup ultimate, a behind-closed-doors showdown that ought to have been an “absolute spotlight” for success-starved Bayer Leverkusen followers. Usually, the end-of-season showpiece ultimate at Berlin’s iconic Olympic Stadium could be a festive affair in entrance of a packed home of 75,000 supporters. Nonetheless, as a result of coronavirus pandemic, simply 700 might be allowed into the big stadium for this 12 months’s ultimate, together with each groups, their backroom employees and officers.
Germany head coach Joachim Loew is likely one of the few invited company.
After the ultimate whistle, when German FA president Fritz Keller palms over the trophy, solely the cheers of the profitable crew will echo across the cavernous stadium.
Former Bayern president Uli Hoeness finds it “a pity” that no followers might be current for the Berlin spectacle, whereas Leverkusen sports activities director Rudi Voeller feels the identical earlier than his membership’s first cup ultimate since 2009.
“For our followers, this may have been an absolute spotlight after a few years,” stated former Germany midfielder Voeller.
“To play on this big cauldron in entrance of only a few spectators is kind of unhappy.”
Nonetheless, holders Bayern are decided to defend the cup, even when head coach Hansi Flick admits that with out travelling assist, their followers might be “very, very absent”.
Having lifted the Bundesliga trophy final Saturday for the eighth straight 12 months, Bayern are concentrating on the following piece of silverware of their treble bid earlier than tackling the Champions League in August.
“The boys are up for it and wish to win the following title, we are going to do all the pieces we are able to to realize that,” stated Bayern sports activities director Hasan Salihamidzic.
“We’re very optimistic that we’ll come out as winners.”
‘Greatest in Europe’
Whereas Bayern wish to win the cup for the 20th time, Leverkusen are chasing solely their second title since their lone triumph in 1993. They completed as runners-up in each 2002 and 2009.
Jamaica winger Leon Bailey scored twice when Leverkusen shocked Bayern with a 2-1 win on the Allianz Enviornment in November.
Nonetheless, the Bavarian giants are actually on a 16-match profitable streak.
“We’re taking part in towards the most effective crew in Europe in the mean time,” admitted Voeller, however “in a cup ultimate, there’s at all times one thing doable.”
An ace up Leverkusen’s sleeve is attacking midfielder Kai Havertz, who has been linked with a transfer to Bayern.
The 21-year-old Germany worldwide was injured for each Leverkusen’s shock win in Munich and final month’s Four-2 dwelling league defeat towards Bayern.
Promoted
Voeller believes Havertz, who has scored 16 targets this season, will play a serious position as a result of coping with stress is “one in all his nice qualities. He has a world-class profession forward of him.”
Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski is searching for his 50th objective of the season. He’s one shy of a half-century and final weekend was topped the Bundesliga’s high scorer for the fifth time in his profession after netting 34 occasions.
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