The departure of the team bus from the BayArena for Cologne/Bonn airport on Friday morning was a highly emotional affair at the start: Over 1,000 fans and members of staff at Bayer 04 lined Bismarckstraße to show their support for the Werkself for the final against the record cup winners (kick-off: 20.00 CET/live on ARD, Sky and on Werkself Radio at bayer04.de). Written in red letters on the road was: "Leverkusen is backing you." Lars Bender and his teammates were clearly moved by the events in front of the BayArena. "It's an unusual situation. Normally you’re not only really up for the game but also the special atmosphere in Berlin – with all the fans. Unfortunately that's not happening this year. That's why our fans wanted to send us on our way and show their support for us. It was a great sign," said the captain. "From that moment at the latest it was clear to everybody what this final is about!"
You can see, added Bender, "in the city, at the club, with the members of staff and with the players that everyone is craving for a title. And we've got the chance of doing that this year. Thanks to our fans, we’re taking a good feeling with us to Berlin." While it would be the second DFB Cup win for the Werkself, Bayern have the opportunity on Saturday to win the cup for the 20th time.
No Paulinho or Sinkgraven
Head coach Peter Bosz also regrets there won't be any fans at the stadium due to the coronavirus pandemic. But the Dutchman clearly stated: "We don't get to the final every year. This match is very important for the fans and the whole club. We want to win." Lars Bender shares that view: "It's the first national final for me. And it's also clear that everybody wants to win a final. We all play football to win something."
For the mission to bring the first title back to Leverkusen since the DFB Cup win in 1993, Bosz and his coaching staff will have to manage without left back Daley Sinkgraven and Paulinho. The 19-year-old Brazilian suffered a torn cruciate in his right knee in training and will be out of action for several months. "It's a great shame," declared Bosz but he also announced: "Paulinho underwent a successful operation today."
Bosz: Not thinking about league games
Leverkusen are one of just two teams who have beaten FC Bayern in this Bundesliga campaign. In November, the Werkself took all three points from a visit to the Bavarian state capital thanks to a 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena. However, Bosz does not want to waste any time thinking of that game or the return (2-4). "Tomorrow is the final, a very special game. That has absolutely nothing to do with the league matches," said the 56-year-old.
Although the basic approach the Werkself will hardly change. "We have a team that is very much set up to attack," said the Dutchman. "We'll look to play our own game again tomorrow."
Second half of season record: Third plays first
The second half of the season table demonstrates it really is a top match. The third best team of the second half of the season, the Werkself, is playing the best team after the winter break, namely FC Bayern with 16 of 17 games won. There is great respect for the record champions and record cup winners but Bayer 04 believe they have a chance. "Anything is possible," said the coach. "But it depends on us. We'll try everything."
Match information
Broadcasters: ARD, Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the match.
