'Hunger is huge': Bayern desperate to reach Berlin again | OneFootball

For years, FC Bayern has been falling short of its own expectations in the cup. Now, this is set to change in Cologne – with a clear goal in mind.

The preparations are complete, the next cup evening is approaching, and the German record champion's longing for Berlin is as palpable as it hasn't been in a long time. Before the match against 1. FC Köln, sporting director Christoph Freund and coach Vincent Kompany appeared determined and focused.

“The hunger is very big, everyone is looking forward to it,” Freund emphasized on Tuesday at the press conference before the duel in the second round. “It's a knockout game, everyone has the desire to get back to Berlin – but Berlin is still far away, it's first about the next round. Then we'll see.”

Kompany also talks about the “desire for a cup final”

Photo: Getty Images

Vincent Kompany also commented on the significance of the competition. The coach appeared relaxed but ambitious. “You can always feel that the cup is something special. I always prefer it when we have a bit of pressure. It has never had a negative impact on my team so far.”

He continued: “I always feel that if the performance is right, we have a great chance to advance to the next round. Therefore, the pressure doesn't bother me. But obligation? Football is always football. But the desire for a cup final is not only lived by the fans, but also by us.”

The Belgian's words carry weight – especially since FC Bayern has repeatedly failed early in the cup in recent years. In three of the last five seasons, they were already out in the second round, including the embarrassing exit against Saarbrücken.

Now, the first real weeks of truth are already upon the Munich team. After the cup match in Cologne, the league game against Bayer Leverkusen awaits at the weekend – and shortly thereafter, the Champions League clash against Paris. Kompany remains calm: “Our squad is exactly as it needs to be to tackle these three games,” said the coach. Even the recently injured players like Gnabry, Guerreiro, and Stanisic are ready for action again.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.