Eintracht set off for Berlin on Friday morning. After arriving in the capital, the press conference ahead of the 80th DFB Cup final was on the schedule for head coach Oliver Glasner and captain Sebastian Rode. Among other things, the pair spoke about…
… the final:
Oliver Glasner: “There’s been great enthusiasm throughout the team in training this week – and we travelled with this feeling too. Everyone wants to bring this cup home. For me it’s my first time, but everyone who’s been in it before raves about it. We’ll need a top performance, Leipzig are in good form.”
Sebastian Rode: “The memories here are positive. I’ve been here twice and won twice. We want that a third time. I already sense the anticipation and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow evening.”
… experience of finals:
Sebastian Rode: “Final experience is something special, something unique. In the Europa League final last year, we benefited from the fact we were in the semi-finals three years earlier, even though we got knocked out. Leipzig perhaps have a slight advantage in that respect because they’ve been in the cup final more often in recent years. As a Hessian, being in the final with Eintracht is an extra special feeling.”
… the personal significance of the match:
Oliver Glasner: “The fact it’s my last match for Eintracht plays no role whatsoever until the final whistle. We’re all completely focused on the match. I’ll enjoy the evening, it’s my second final. The players have made it possible and I have the privilege to stand on the touchline. Only the match is important on Saturday evening, not Oliver Glasner. If we win it, I don’t know what will happen.”
Our fans are our trump card, as we’ve seen in recent years. We’re going to see a big party.
Sebastian Rode
… opponents Leipzig:
Oliver Glasner: “In the first half of the Bundesliga season we played in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Leipzig still played in a 3-4-2-1 at that time. Now they mostly use 4-4-2 but are very flexible. We’ve studied Leipzig thoroughly. We think we’re equipped and have an idea for how we can control Leipzig’s play, but the crucial thing will be how we carry it out on the pitch.”
… the fans:
Sebastian Rode: “Our fans are our trump card, as we’ve seen in recent years. We’re going to see a big party.”
