"We're playing to win"
Fri, 12/06/20, 16:15
Bayern aiming for rhythm and records in last league game against Wolfsburg
FC Bayern have 90 more minutes to show just why they are Bundesliga champions before receiving the Meisterschale after the final league game of the season away at Wolfsburg on Saturday (kick-off at 3.30pm CEST, coverage available with our live text commentary and free web radio). And to make sure there’s no dampening the celebrations, the team know a win is a must at the Volkswagen-Arena.
There have been plenty of special stories on the final matchday of Bundesliga seasons:
The situation
Although there is little riding on this game, Hansi Flick made it expressly clear that his side must not drop down a gear. “It’s important that we don’t drop off now,” the coach said before stressing how important it is to remain in rhythm ahead of the DFB Cup final against Bayer Leverkusen next week. His team could also reach a considerable landmark in Wolfsburg. “We could go the entire Rückrunde unbeaten. That’s the most important goal. We’re playing to win,” demanded the coach.
Bayern won the meeting earlier this season 2-0 thanks to late goals from substitutes Joshua Zirkzee and Serge Gnabry.
The opponent
Wolfsburg still have something to play for. Oliver Glasner’s side are currently sixth in the table, which would see them qualify directly for the Europa League group stage. However, they are only ahead of Hoffenheim on goal difference and could therefore still finish seventh, which would mean entering the qualifying rounds. “We want to secure sixth place. That’d be a great success,” the coach said of his goal for Saturday. The Austrian is, though, without midfield motor Xaver Schlager with a knee injury.
Personnel
Flick had already announced after last week’s win over Freiburg that Alvaro Odriozola would start in Wolfsburg.
Flick almost never reveals his team in advance, but he has done to an extent for this final league game. “I said on Saturday that Alvaro Odriozola would play in Wolfsburg, and that’s what’ll happen,” the coach repeated at his press conference. He also stated that Philippe Coutinho will be in the squad following surgery on his ankle. However, Corentin Tolisso and Niklas Süle haven’t made it back for the final match of the campaign. Thiago will also miss out despite returning to training this week after a groin operation. However, Flick added that the trio could all be back for the cup final.
Check out the best photos from training ahead of the game in Wolfsburg:
What the coaches said
Hansi Flick: “It’s important we don’t drop off. It’s tough to shift back up a gear again when you let your concentration levels fall. We have to be on the ball and use the rhythm for the cup final.”
Oliver Glasner (VfL Wolfsburg coach): “They seem unbeatable right now, regardless of how they line up or what competition it is. We need a performance of the highest possible quality.”
Top fact
Bayern’s attack has been in top form this season, netting 96 times in 33 league games. The record for an entire Bundesliga campaign is 101 by the FCB class of 1971/72. On that occasion, Gerd Müller & Co. went into the final match on 96 goals. Can the current cohort repeat that feat again this year?
Click here for even more facts and figures about the Wolfsburg game:
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