Manuel Neuer stands before his eighth final of the DFB-Pokal under tension – even, and especially, because of the particular circumstances without the spectators. “It will be for me a life experience,” said the captain and goalkeeper of FC Bayern Munich ahead of the final against Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 20.00 h in the F. A. Z.-Liveticker of the German DFB Cup, as well as in the ARD and Sky): “The final is always a special game. And also for someone who has often been in the finals, it’s something Special, a game to witness. Also, if we have wished all the spectators.“

he and his colleagues were “hot to win the Cup,” said New. And Bayern Coach Hansi Flick made it clear before his first final as a head coach: “We are trying everything that we can get the Double back to Munich.” The championship won in Munich for the eighth Time in series.

Süle before the Comeback, Thiago before take-off?

But also the ambitions of the Leverkusen, which for the first time in eleven years, in the endgame, and most recently 27 years ago, a title brought, are high. “You realize that all are hungry for a title,” said captain Lars Bender: “You don’t get every year, the Chance. This year we have you. Accordingly, ambitious and greedy we are.“ Also Bayer-coach Peter Bosz was optimistic. “Everything is doable, but it will not be easy,” said the Dutchman: “We will try everything and want to win.”

Meanwhile, national team player Niklas Süle is before his Comeback at Bayern. “Niklas will participate in the final training session and then possibly also in the squad. He makes a very good impression,“ said Flick on Friday. Defender Süle was torn last October, the cross-band. Also Thiago, the there are rumors of a switch to Liverpool, according to an Afford-OP again. “He is since Wednesday in the load, it can be used from the outset or in the course of the game,” said Flick. For Corentin Tolisso is in Bavaria, next to the battered Javi Martinez continue.

At Leverkusen stadium, Paulinho, who had ripped on Thursday, the cross-tape and on Friday was operated on is missing in the Berlin Olympic. In addition, coach Peter Bosz will be without the injured Daley Sinkgraven. Record winner Bayern is planning in the final after the 30. Championship the 20. Cup Triumph. Leverkusen hopes to have the first title since the only Cup victory in 1993.