The anticipation ahead of the DFB-Pokal final is colossal. Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund made that clear in their press conference. Whilst BVB manager Thomas Tuchel spoke of a “exceptionally good feeling”, Eintracht captain Alexander Meier is looking forward to his “career’s biggest game.”
Eyes glistened in the Berlin’s Olympiastadion as video showing Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund’s ‘Road to Berlin’ played in the final press conference prior to the DFB-Pokal final between the two sides (Saturday, 20:00 CEST). Niko Kovac and Thomas Tuchel both felt the hairs on the back of their necks stand up as they saw the season’s highlights play out before their eyes.
“I’ll use the video to motivate the team in the locker-room tomorrow,” said the Eintracht manager. His BVB counterpart admitted that the video gave him “goose bumps.” Tuchel elaborated: “When I see the pictures, I see great history. To be in Berlin is an exceptionally good feeling.” The BVB coach is looking forward to the game, and said that his side are totally focused on the game ahead: “Our only thoughts are of game tomorrow.”
Kovac: “Meier and Vallejo fit to play”
Kovac made it clear that he wants nothing more to do with Guillermo Varela, who is out of the game due to getting a tattoo which subsequently got infected, causing him to be suspended by the club. Instead, the Eintracht manager is excited about to be back in his hometown and about the return of Jesus Vallejo and Alexander Meier. “Both are ready.” The latter knows touted the game as his “career’s biggest game” and knows that “the whole of Frankfurt can’t wait to win the title. We’re excited to see our fans tomorrow in the stadium.”
And the stadium that Meier speaks of is totally sold-out, a scenario with which Marcel Schmelzer is very familiar. The BVB captain is about to play in the Pokal final for the fourth time in a row and is keen to finally celebrate another win in the final, which hasn’t happened since 2012. “The anticipation is colossal. The final is 100% a highlight.” Schmelzer was able to do some running today for the first time since picking up a small muscular problem, and had no problems moving around.
Tuchel: “High-tempo efficient play needed”
Tuchel didn’t disclose whether the 29-year-old starts from the beginning on Saturday, but he did confirm that Marco Reus would definitely be on the pitch when the game kicks off. BVB’s manager isn’t expecting an easy game: “Frankfurt are a very physical side. It’s difficult to create chances on goal against them.” Tempo and efficiency are the two ingredients needed for them to achieve the goal that BVB set out for themselves at the start of the year – to win the Pokal.
However, winning the Pokal is something that Frankfurt have also been aiming for. “We’re very motivated and want to win,” said Alexander Meier. He continued: “I think that tomorrow’s game will be an exciting one.” The stage is set – there’s not long left until the 74th DFB-Pokal final. Only one club’s players will be celebrating at the end of the evening – that much is for sure.
The anticipation ahead of the DFB-Pokal final is colossal. Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund made that clear in their press conference. Whilst BVB manager Thomas Tuchel spoke of a “exceptionally good feeling”, Eintracht captain Alexander Meier is looking forward to his “career’s biggest game.”
Eyes glistened in the Berlin’s Olympiastadion as video showing Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund’s ‘Road to Berlin’ played in the final press conference prior to the DFB-Pokal final between the two sides (Saturday, 20:00 CEST). Niko Kovac and Thomas Tuchel both felt the hairs on the back of their necks stand up as they saw the season’s highlights play out before their eyes.
“I’ll use the video to motivate the team in the locker-room tomorrow,” said the Eintracht manager. His BVB counterpart admitted that the video gave him “goose bumps.” Tuchel elaborated: “When I see the pictures, I see great history. To be in Berlin is an exceptionally good feeling.” The BVB coach is looking forward to the game, and said that his side are totally focused on the game ahead: “Our only thoughts are of game tomorrow.”
Kovac: “Meier and Vallejo fit to play”
Kovac made it clear that he wants nothing more to do with Guillermo Varela, who is out of the game due to getting a tattoo which subsequently got infected, causing him to be suspended by the club. Instead, the Eintracht manager is excited about to be back in his hometown and about the return of Jesus Vallejo and Alexander Meier. “Both are ready.” The latter knows touted the game as his “career’s biggest game” and knows that “the whole of Frankfurt can’t wait to win the title. We’re excited to see our fans tomorrow in the stadium.”
And the stadium that Meier speaks of is totally sold-out, a scenario with which Marcel Schmelzer is very familiar. The BVB captain is about to play in the Pokal final for the fourth time in a row and is keen to finally celebrate another win in the final, which hasn’t happened since 2012. “The anticipation is colossal. The final is 100% a highlight.” Schmelzer was able to do some running today for the first time since picking up a small muscular problem, and had no problems moving around.
Tuchel: “High-tempo efficient play needed”
Tuchel didn’t disclose whether the 29-year-old starts from the beginning on Saturday, but he did confirm that Marco Reus would definitely be on the pitch when the game kicks off. BVB’s manager isn’t expecting an easy game: “Frankfurt are a very physical side. It’s difficult to create chances on goal against them.” Tempo and efficiency are the two ingredients needed for them to achieve the goal that BVB set out for themselves at the start of the year – to win the Pokal.
However, winning the Pokal is something that Frankfurt have also been aiming for. “We’re very motivated and want to win,” said Alexander Meier. He continued: “I think that tomorrow’s game will be an exciting one.” The stage is set – there’s not long left until the 74th DFB-Pokal final. Only one club’s players will be celebrating at the end of the evening – that much is for sure.
