The club from Saarland are the first fourth division side in the history of the DFB Cup to go through to the last four. The team under head coach Lukas Kwasniok knocked out Bundesliga clubs Fortuna Düsseldorf and FC Köln, and the second division sides Jahn Regensburg and Karlsruher SC. "You have to show respect – and we'll do that. Nevertheless, we obviously want to go through to the cup final," declared Bayer 04 head coach Peter Bosz at today's virtual pre-match press conference.
As with all the games since the restart after the break enforced by the coronavirus pandemic, this match will be played behind closed doors at the stadium in Völklingen. "The conditions were the same at the weekend against FC Bayern. Of course, this top game deserves to have spectators. But the fans are missing this time," said Bosz who does see it as a positive that his team have already played five league games under these circumstances. The Dutchman added: "I think it's an advantage for us not to have a crowd tomorrow. In a full stadium, every attack and every time they're in possession would get the home fans going and that helps the players. That won't be the case tomorrow."
As in the 4-2 defeat against FC Bayern, Kai Havertz will not be in the squad tomorrow due to muscle problems. "The game has come too early. Kai won't be in the squad. He could play but then we would be taking a certain risk. We don't want to do that. We hope he'll make progress over the next few days so he can play again on Sunday. But we’ll have to wait and see," Bosz said in relation to the forward.
Also sidelined are the left-back Daley Sinkgraven (foot) and the captain Lars Bender. The latter is back on the training ground but still has to make his return to full training after coming back from injury. In addition, winger Leon Bailey will not travel.
As a matter of principle, Bosz is looking to field his strongest possible side against the fourth division team and rank outsiders. "We won't be using this semi-final to give players a chance who haven't had much time on the pitch," declared the Dutchman: "We want to use this semi-final to get to the final."
Asked about the last club title for Bayer 04, the DFB Cup win in 1993, Bosz said: "The fact we’re talking about that time again shows how important it is to win titles. 1993 was a long time ago and that's why the players, us as coaches and the club want to win titles. The DFB Cup is an opportunity to do that and that means we have to go through tomorrow."
Match info:
Broadcaster: ARD, Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the game.
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