Niko Kovac’s Eintracht Frankfurt spoil Jupp Heynckes’ farewell, defeating Bayern Munich 3-1 thanks to a dull display from the Bavarians.
Manager grade
Jupp Heynckes — B+
Jupp didn’t really have too many decisions to make in his starting XI, so there’s not much to discuss there. But his decision to remove Thomas Muller (a proven difference maker and ever the hard worker) was perhaps a bit questionable. Bayern Munich once again came out the gate flat, though, allowing their opponents to steal an early lead. They were initially a bit more fired up in the second half, but eventually fell back into their lethargic defending.
Player grades
GK, Sven Ulreich — C+
Sven Ulreich was absolutely not to be blamed for any of Frankfurt’s goals. Unfortunately, he had very little to do outside of those one-on-one situations and couldn’t help his squad find a late equalizer when he joined the attack.
DEF, David Alaba — C-
David Alaba, who usually works so well with Franck Ribery on the left flank, seemed lost at some points alongside his French partner in crime. His crossing was poor and ineffective and he wasn’t really too much of a threat going forward.
DEF, Mats Hummels — C+
The veteran defender wasn’t poor, but he still could have done much more in central defense. Hummels absolutely must work on his heading, a part of his game that used to be a real threat.
DEF, Niklas Sule — C
Sule’s passing was great. He was a big help in Bayern’s attack, even finding Kimmich with a slick through ball before the right-back set up Lewandowski’s goal. However, his defense was bit lacking. His pace and positioning let him down for both Frankfurt goals.
DEF, Joshua Kimmich — C+
Kimmich made excellent run after excellent run on the right flank, constantly threatening the Eintracht Frankfurt defense. Yes, he assisted Bayern’s lone goal with a smart pass, but he had a few opportunities to score one of his own or even assist a few more. Under normal circumstances he would have done just that, but today just wasn’t his day.
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MID, Javi Martinez — C
Like basically every single one of his teammates, Javi Martinez was average at best in the DFB Pokal final. Javi was maybe a little unlucky not to have won a penalty at the end of the match, but it honestly could have gone either way.
MID, Thiago — C+
This wasn’t Thiago’s best game of the season. He often over-complicated things in midfield rather than making the simple pass. But he certainly could have been worse. The Spaniard was clearly disappointed to be removed from the match in the 63rd minute. And who knows? Maybe the match would have ended a bit differently with Thiago still on the pitch. Doubtful, but you can speculate.
MID, James Rodriguez — C
James gave the ball away poorly leading to Frankfurt’s opener. And though he was arguably Bayern’s best player for the remainder of the match, he couldn’t quite make up for his schoolboy mistake.
FWD, Franck Ribery — C
Ribery tried, there’s no doubt about that. But his age was evident as he had a hard time breaking down the Eintracht Frankfurt defense. His dribbling was largely ineffective, as was his crossing.
FWD, Robert Lewandowski — B-
Robert Lewandowski saved some face by scoring a goal in a big match, but still wasted a few chances. Regardless, this loss can’t be pinned on the Pole, no matter how much his haters try.
FWD, Thomas Muller — C
A quiet day from the raumdeuter, who languished on the right flank for nearly 70 minutes. Muller had a good chance early on from a header, but fired it wide off his shoulder. A selfless man and role model as captain, Muller accepted Jupp’s decision to remove him from the fray and bring in Kingsley Coman’s fresh legs (as fresh as they can be in his first game back from injury).
Next: Bayern Munich reportedly make offer for Leverkusen's Leon Bailey
Subs
MID, Corentin Tolisso — C
Coco couldn’t make the difference after replacing Thiago in the 63rd minute. He had an excellent chance to do so after a dummy from Thomas Muller, but his touch let him down.
FWD, Kingsley Coman — N/A
Fresh off an extended spell on the sidelines with injury, Coman cannot be blamed for not making the difference in his short time on the pitch.