Talking Tactics: Bayern Munich look to seal domestic double

Bayern Munich look to retain DFB Pokal against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

What an amazing journey it has been for Bayern Munich and Hansi Flick. Once seen as an interim solution to all the problems in November, Hansi Flick took Bayern out of shambles. Bayern won their eighth successive league title under Flick’s tutelage. The 55-year old, Bayern Munich head coach, now has his eyes fixed on sealing a domestic double.

The Bundesliga champions will face Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Pokal Finals at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The DFB cup currently sits in Bayern’s trophy cabinet. Die Roten scored thrice against RB Leipzig on May 25, 2019, to bring the cup back to Munich. Meanwhile, Peter Bosz will march with his cavalry for their first Pokal finale in 11 years.

The cup finalists have shared the spoils in their previous two encounters. Die Werkself won 2-1 at the Allianz Arena in November. It was Flick’s first defeat as Bayern manager. Bosz’s team hurt Die Roten on the counter in this game to score both goals. It was possibly the lowest moment in Flick’s short tenure at the club till now.

In the reverse fixture, Flick collected three points at the Bay Arena, courtesy of a comfortable 4-2 win. Since both sides have defined playing styles, it will be an intriguing battle between two coaches for the prestigious prize in German football. The stakes will be high, akin to the expectations from both sets of fans. Let us have a brief look at what Bayern will have to deal with during their third consecutive Pokal finale.

(Note: The stats in this article have been sourced from fbref.com and Understat.com)