Uli Hoeness warns his Bayern Munich players to avoid complacency ahead of their DFB Pokal final against RB Leipzig.
A thrilling Bundesliga campaign came to its end last weekend as Bayern Munich narrowly manage to defend their title. Die Roten made a serious comeback in the second half of the season to overcome a talented Borussia Dortmund side and beat them to the Meisterschale.
Bayern have now shifted their attention to the DFB Pokal final, where Niko Kovac has the chance to complete the domestic double in his first season at the club as the Bavarians face RB Leipzig on Saturday. This game will not be an easy affair for Bayern as Leipzig had the best defensive record in the Bundesliga this season.
Kovac delivered a masterclass performance with Eintracht Frankfurt last year to beat Bayern in the final of the competition. Speaking to the media (via Bild) earlier this week, Uli Hoeness urged the Bayern players to be on their toes and avoid complacency going into this game. The club president also believes that a close title race has been the best possible thing for Bayern this season.
"“We have to be careful that we do not let out a little bit like last year when we were masters. Since we have given a very weak idea against Frankfurt, there was not much in it.“The fact that we had to work and fight to the last minute this time is a good sign.”"
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Bayern have struggled to win the German cup since the departure of Pep Guardiola in 2016. Carlo Ancelotti failed to win this trophy in his solitary season as Borussia Dortmund knocked out Bayern in the semifinals during the 2016-17 season. Die Roten have endured a tough campaign, so it is essential they end it on a good note with a domestic double.
RB Leipzig held Bayern to a goalless draw in the Bundesliga earlier this month. Die Roten had numerous chances to win that game, but Leipzig defended resolutely to deny them a chance to seal the title before the final game week. Bayern have been grinding out wins in this years DFB Pokal campaign, but they might have to work hardest in the final to get their hands on the trophy.
Hoeness also addressed the rampant rumors about Leroy Sane today. The Bayern president told SZ that his club is working on the situation. This admission from Hoeness surely indicates that there is a good chance this deal will be completed in the summer transfer window. The German winger might be forced to leave Manchester City this summer, as he is struggling to get regular game time under Pep Guardiola, and Bayern see him as the ideal candidate to join their ranks.
This summer’s transfer window is the most crucial one the Bavarians have faced in a long time. The club will be hoping to sign players that can help them maintain domestic dominance and make them a force to be reckoned with in Europe. A win over RB Leipzig on Saturday will surely indicate that they are on the right track to remain a formidable team in Germany.