The last time FC Bayern and VfL Bochum crossed swords in the DFB Cup dates back to December 2011. The men from Munich won 2-1, but required a last-minute goal by Arjen Robben to prevail. FCB were even a goal down. The teams have changed in the meantime of course, but the last cup encounter shows that the Reds might well be in for a tricky evening in Wednesday's quarter-final tie (Live in English from 20.30 CET on Twitter and FCB.tv web radio).
“We expect very stiff resistance,” commented Tiger Hermann Gerland, the undisputed expert when it comes to Bochum. After all, the second division side had a strong start to 2016. After victories against three Bundesliga teams in the mid-season period Bochum won their restart match 2-0 against second-placed Freiburg. For VfL, lying fifth in the standings, the promotion spots are within reach. “They have quick players and lots of quality in the centre,” analysed Pep Guardiola. The Catalan expects the hosts to play like Leverkusen: “Attack, attack, attack, and very aggressively.”
But the German record champions still go into the meeting as favourites. The goal is clear: progress to the semi-finals for the seventh time in a row! “We’re preparing for the match as if we were facing a Champions League team. It's only one match – feast or famine,” warned Gerland. Guardiola hopes that his troops live up to the “good display” from last weekend: “We allowed hardly any chances in Leverkusen. It was a step forward,” the FCB head coach said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference.
Vidal takes part in final training
There are still open questions in terms of the selection situation. Will Arturo Vidal, who had to be replaced after a knock against Leverkusen, be fit in time? Will Mario Götze be able to feature in the cup tie after his long lay-off? “Wait and see,” answered Guardiola. Vidal is on track: the Chile international took part in the final training session. Götze is ahead of Franck Ribéry, who resumed the squad programme on Monday, but a decision will be made at short notice. Serdar Tasci still needs to build up his stamina after the long break in Russia, Guardiola added.
“In the cup it's only one match. It's like a final for us,” declared the 45-year-old, “it's going to be an unpleasant match, but I trust in my players.” Thomas Müller expects “no walkover. Bochum will be waiting for us, prepared to give us one hell of a game.” Müller missed the last cup tie in Bochum four years ago, but the world champion has been warned, just like his team-mates.
Pre-match news from Bochum:
- Coach Gertjan Verbeek: “I've seen some Bayern matches. Each coach had a plan, and every time Bayern found an answer. Fear is a poor counsellor. It often leads to panic. We have a plan how to play against Bayern and beat them.”
- Captain Patrick Fabian: “Bayern would win 99 out of 100 matches, but perhaps that one match will take place on Wednesday.”
- The hosts are the only last eight team with a clean sheet in this season’s competition so far; Bochum have not conceded a goal in 418 minutes of play.
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