Bayern Munich to advance beyond second round of DFB Pokal
Bayern Munich suffered a humiliating exit in the second round of the DFB Pokal last season at the feet of third-tier side Saarbrucken. This defeat marked the third successive year when Bayern had been unceremoniously dumped out of the DFB-Pokal at the same stage of the competition. Interestingly enough, for that match back in November 2023, Harry Kane was an unused substitute. Former Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel had thought that a match against the third-division opposition would have been the right opportunity to rest his star striker.
After last season’s embarrassing exit from DFB Pokal, it’s expected that new coach Vincent Kompany would do what it takes to avoid a repeat. Bayern don’t necessarily have to win the DFB-Pokal for Kompany to justify his appointment if his team can regain the Bundesliga crown. However, a deep run in the competition is a must to cast out the demons that plagued the side during the last three seasons.
If Bayern Munich face any teams from the lower divisions, expect the opposition to be put to the sword. Since Bayern have not won the DFB Pokal since the treble in 2020, we expect Kompany to use strong lineups in every round. This could be the year where Die Roten go deep in the domestic cup competition.