Jupp Heynckes took to the podium for a pre-match press conference for one last time. The 73-year-old's illustrious career will come to an end on Saturday evening, when FC Bayern take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Cup final (Live in English from 20.00 CEST on our exclusive fcbayern.com ticker). "Of course there will be emotions," said Heynckes on Friday: "Berlin is the German Wembley, with a wonderful atmosphere. It's certainly another highlight in my career. It's something you look back on fondly."
Bayern aim to win the match and clinch the cup so that the 2013 treble-winning coach will indeed have fond memories in a few years. Heynckes and his team worked on "many details" during the week. The coach is very pleased that Manuel Neuer will return to matchday duty for the first time since September 2017. After recovering from a metatarsal fracture the captain will be in the squad but "won't start," Heynckes announced.
Müller fit
Thomas Müller, who was out of action with a bout of gastroenteritis in the last few days, has "fully recovered. He can start, I don't have any doubts." Jérôme Boateng, Arturo Vidal and Arjen Robben miss out with injury.
Many experts see reigning champions FCB as favourites in the final against Frankfurt, who finished eighth in the league. But the situation is not as clear-cut for Heynckes. "Eintracht had a very, very good Bundesliga campaign. They made the cup final last year and once again this year," explained the seasoned coach: "They display lots of commitment, ambition and passion. And they play well. We've been warned."
The cup as a farewell gift
Mats Hummels agreed: "It's a difficult task. Only a top performance will do to hoist the trophy," said the centre-back, who does not think it matters that Niko Kovac will take over as Bayern coach next season. "We want to win the cup, that's our top priority," the 29-year-old stressed.
Heynckes and Hummels posed with the trophy for the photogtaphers before returning to the team hotel. Both had sparkling eyes. Bayern are primed for the last big showdown in Jupp Heynckes' stunning careeer.
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