‘Don’t be afraid because the Bayern jersey is running towards you’

The pressure has lowered a bit. Thomas Tuchel crushed Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker 4-2, and his managerial debut in Munich has gone well. His new team is still active in all three major competitions: Bundesliga, the Champions League and DFB Cup, and a chance of a triple crown is still a very likely possibility. Next in line is the Cup, and Freiburg will come to town. The small club from the edge of the Black Forrest cannot be compared to the German giants, but they are currently in a very good position. They hold the last Champions League place in Bundesliga, they managed to get to the round of 16 in the Europa League (lost to Juventus), and they are still in DFB Cup.

For the legendary coach Christian Streich, this is a great moment for the club, and there is no pressure on his players but to give all they can.

“We were in the last 16 of the Europa League, DFB-Pokal final last May and now we’re in the quarters again this season. That’s sensational. We don’t have anything to lose now, nor do we have anything to give away. We can go to Munich full of confidence. We’re still unbeaten in seven games in the league. We’re all really looking forward to the game. Luckily instead of having training tomorrow, we have a cup quarterfinal against FC Bayern. Don’t be afraid because the Bayern jersey is running towards you” said Streich to the media, but also to his players.

'If he didn't go skiing, maybe he would still be Bayern's coach'

For the Freiburg coach, there is not much difference between Nagelsmann and Tuchel as Bayern is always strong. And the new coach doesn’t want any surprises in a knockout competition, especially after a great win against Dortmund. Unlike Streich, Tuchel has one Cup won, with Dortmund six years ago.

"It's a huge competition. The final in Berlin is a sensational event, we definitely want to be there. Freiburg is extraordinary. There is calm and continuity in the club. It feels similar at Union Berlin and Mainz - these clubs are overperforming, which is remarkable. Can't rate it highly enough. We have a difficult game ahead of us. A knockout game that we really want to win against an opponent who is very difficult to play against and who play as a unit” said Tuchel.

German Cup - DFB Pokal

Quarterfinals

Tuesday

19:00 Eintracht Frankfurt - Union Berlin

21:45 Bayern Munchen - SC Freiburg

***odds are subject to change