DFB Pokal Preview: Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart
After claiming Bundesliga title in a record-breaking fashion and lifting Champions League trophy, Bayern Munich will be hoping to complete their historic treble by outplaying Stuttgart in the forthcoming DfB Pokal final.
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed his side is a step away from immortality, saying: “This team has already entered the history books, but they can make themselves immortal now.”
He said the team needs to beat Stuttgart to surpass the achievements of Bayern Munich’s legendary generation of 1970s, personified by Beckenbauer, Mueller and Meier. He said: “Even the most successful Bayern team of all time—the generation including Franz Beckenbauer, Gerhard Mueller and Sepp Meier in the 1970s—never managed to win the lot…The only mistake we could make is to think we’re approaching the easiest part and we’ll easily beat VfB Stuttgart.”
With Bayern Munich players almost certainly will be entering DFB Pokal final beaming with confidence after their brilliant win over Dortmund in Champions League final at Wembley, Stuttgart will be determined to prove they are no pushovers.
Stuttgart boss Bruno Labbadia revealed he hopes to take advantage of Bayern’s complacency and admitted “two titles in a season are enough”. Stuttgart have been disappointing in Bundesliga this season, as they finished in the 12th place, despite their fine end-of-season form.
Bayern Munich recent form:
The German giants are on remarkable winning run since losing to Arsenal 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. The Bavarians have won 14 out of their last 15 games, drawing one, and scoring 50 goals, while conceding only 10.
Stuttgart recent form:
Stuttgart won only six out of their last 15 games, while losing seven and drawing once. They have netted 17 goals and conceded 21.
Bayern Munich team news:
Bayern Munich were frustrated with the news two of their first-choice players (defender Dante and midfielder Luiz Gustavo) were called-up to Brazil national side for an international friendly against England.
Toni Kroos has been sidelined for the forthcoming final, while Holger Badstuber will be out for about seven months after undergoing a surgery on his knee.
Stuttgart team news:
Stuttgart have been given a huge boost with the news their striker Cacau will return into the first XI after recovering from injury.
Bah, Didavi and Hajnal remain on team’s long-term injury list, while defender Rudiger will miss the final due to suspencion.
Newswire
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