Interview with David Raum ahead of DFB-Pokal quarter-final tie | OneFootball

Before Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal quarter-final away at Bayern München, we spoke to captain David Raum. 

For him, one thing is clear: the roles may look fixed on paper – but that's it.

"We've seen that they're vulnerable"

Of course, Leipzig are fully aware of the quality they are up against. “Bayern are operating on a different level at the moment, especially in Europe and in the Bundesliga,” Raumi admits.

At the same time, the Red Bulls have also noticed that the record champions are not unbeatable. “We’ve seen that they’re vulnerable, for example against FC Augsburg. And they’ve also dropped points in Hamburg,” says Raum.

In January, Bayern lost 2-1 at home to Augsburg, before drawing 2-2 away at Hamburger SV a week later.

Signs in Leipzig’s favour

"The cup has its own rules,” stresses the Germany international. “We want to make the impossible possible and beat Bayern at home in the cup.”

And yet, perhaps it isn’t quite impossible. Two teams have shown the way in recent years: Almost three years ago, SC Freiburg won 2-1 in Munich in the quarter-finals. And at the end of 2024, Bayer Leverkusen knocked Bayern out in the last 16 (1-0).

There are more encouraging signs too. Bayern have not reached the semi-finals for five seasons, while Leipzig have won all five quarter-finals in their history.

Focused and positive

So, what will it take to keep that run going? “We need to deliver a good, focused performance over 90 minutes – or maybe even 120,” says Raum. Another factor is just as important in knockout football: “We also need to create a good atmosphere on the pitch.”

In other words: support, encourage and lift one another up.

Stick to the game plan

Leipzig already showed what they are capable of in the last meeting in mid-January at the Red Bull Arena – at least for much of the match. In the first half, RBL dominated for large spells and created a host of chances. Rômulo's 1-0 lead at the break, however, was not enough, and Bayern turned the game around after the restart.

Raum reflects: “We still have to take positives from that. We played one of our best halves of the year. Unfortunately, we lost our heads a bit after that, moved away from our game plan and it became too chaotic.”

That must not happen again on Wednesday. “We want to stick to our game plan. In a cup tie, anything can happen,” Raum insists – including turning a game around.

"RB Leipzig reach the semi-finals"

Everyone knows what is at stake. “We’re three wins away from a trophy. That means something special is possible with this team – it would be a real highlight,” says Raum. 

The DFB-Pokal is therefore well within grasp for the Red Bulls. As for Raum, what would his dream headline read after the match? He doesn't hesitate: “RB Leipzig reach the semi-finals.”

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