Kobel before the Bayern match: “You have to have this mindset” | OneFootball

The clash with FCB is particularly significant this time around. Bayern are unbeaten in 15 league games across two seasons. The fact that Borussia’s run of 14 games is similarly long makes the match even more appealing for Gregor Kobel. “We’ve found a good flow and are playing grown-up football. I’m delighted that we’ve really taken steps forward and have good energy with Ramy, Schlotti and Waldi,” said the goalkeeper about the team’s stable upward trend and the strong form of defenders Ramy Bensebaini, Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton.

Kobel knows that without a strong defence, there is little chance of getting anything out of the game in Munich. After all, Bayern currently have by far the best attack in the league and have set a Bundesliga record5 goals scored and just three conceded in their opening six games. Nevertheless, the Swiss believes it will be an evenly matched duel: “We know about Bayern’s quality – especially in attack. They have scored an extremely high number of goals. But we also know about our own qualities. We know that we have to hold our own, that we have to play physically and perform as a team.”

BVB have shown how to get a result in Munich in their last two away games. Unlike in previous years, when they sometimes suffered heavy defeats, they won 2-0 at the Allianz Arena on 30 March 2023 and drew 2-2 on 12 April 2024. Kobel hopes that BVB can build on this mini-series and play with similar courage: “Courage is definitely a prerequisite – especially when you go away to Munich and consider the statistics. It’s important that we have the will to win and the desire to hold our own and frustrate them.”

BVB coach Niko Kovac is returning to his old stomping ground for the match. He played 34 games as a professional for FC Bayern between 2001 and 2003 and was the Munich club’s head coach from July 2018 to early November 2019. According to Kobel, the fact that Borussia are still within striking distance of the leaders, trailing by four points, and have been performing with such unity in the past few weeks is down to the coach: “Niko has done a very good job with us since he arrived. He has pushed us a long way.”

Gregor Kobel: “We’re on the right track”

In addition, Kobel believes that the recent string of successes and the individual strength of character within the squad are contributing to improved team spirit: “When you go a long time without losing, it’s always easier to have a good atmosphere in the team. Nevertheless, I believe we have very good lads who are keen to be successful. You simply have to have that mindset. We are definitely on the right track in that respect.”

It’s fitting that Kobel passes on the compliments for the recent clean sheets directly to his teammates: “As a goalkeeper, you get more attention in games where you don’t concede. But I personally see it clearly as a team effort.” The praise for his teammates seems obvious: this season, BVB are the team that have allowed the fewest shots on goal (see facts).

The second-placed team could also benefit from this quality in Munich. “We have to keep going: be compact, be stable. That’s what has made us strong so far,” says Kobel. He and his teammates are not lacking in confidence at the moment: “We definitely want to win, just as we want to win every game. That’s our job. We’re going there with that attitude. You need a great attitude and great energy – then it all comes together.”