The 31-year-old knows how it all works: The defender can look back at five finals in the DFB Cup including two wins with Borussia Dortmund (2011/12 and 2016/17). "We need top preparation – with full concentration on the game," said the Leverkusen player ahead of the meeting with the record cup winners.
The circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic – the final at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin will be played behind closed doors – are also new for the stalwart. Sven Bender: "The atmosphere before, during and after the final was always very special. It will be different this time round. But that's not a problem for us. There is great anticipation as the club hasn't been in a final for a long time. We are all eager to win this title!"
Bayer 04, alongside Borussia Mönchengladbach, are only one of two teams who have beaten the Munich side since Hansi Flick took over as coach – the 55-year-old was the successor to Niko Kovac at the start of November. Sven Bender does believe that Bayern are much stronger today than they were in the 2-1 away win at the Allianz Arena at the end of November. "Since then, they have come on a long way. They are incredibly difficult to play against and beat under Hansi Flick. That's clearly what the statistics show," said the Werkself central defender. "But we have weapons to beat them. We have to be brave and play our own game."
Therefore, the 31-year-old does not see an option of initiating a plan B given the pace of the FCB defence that the Leverkusen wingers will face: "Our own game has brought us to the final and also a lot of points in the Bundesliga."
Clashes with FC Bayern have a special importance to Sven Bender because "they're the strongest team in Germany and belong to the top teams in Europe and worldwide." The Werkself defender was born in Rosenheim in Upper Bavaria and played for the youth teams at SpVgg Unterhaching as well as TSV 1860 Munich. As Saturday night brings a clash with the great rivals of the two former clubs of Sven and Lars Bender, "we would like to make the fans of Haching and 1860 happy with a win."
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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