DFB-Pokal: Stuttgart vs. Bayern Munich
This will be an important game for Bruno Labbadia, Stuttgart’s third coach of this season. Labbadia’s first game in charge ended in a 5-3 loss to Bayern at home, which was the first time the Stuttgart manager had been defeated in his opening game. However, the team seemed to be far more improved under him than his predecessor. Despite horrific defending, which saw them concede five goals, Labbadia’s side fought back to score three conciliatory goals.
Labbadia does not have the best coaching record and that was not the reason why he was brought to Stuttgart at this stage. He was preferred because of his reputation as a good team motivator, who is known to make an impact in the dressing room. This is what Stuttgart need in order to start a revival which will lift the team out of their recent slump. He will need cooperation from the board and the players as he attempts to restore the club.
Labbadia told reporters, “Bayern's goals were presents from us. We created our own downfall. Until the first goal we were well organized and made it difficult for Bayern. We also showed excellent morale and we never gave up. On Wednesday we will go into the game with the same commitment we showed on Sunday. A cup tie against Bayern Munich is something special. We must treat it separately from the league game.”
Bayern are doing well in the Bundesliga and are favourites in this match; the defending DFB-Pokal champions are too good for Stuttgart at this stage of the season. Bayern struggled against last season’s runners up to get to this stage of the competition. Striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bastian-Schweinsteiger-c7374 scored two goals to lead his side to the next round, where they face Stuttgart.
The defending champions are in excellent form and will be looking for a win over Stuttgart before the winter break commences. Bayern coach Louis van Gaal revealed that he felt that the cup was as important to him as the Bundesliga or the UEFA Champions League. This could only mean that Bayern will be taking this fixture very seriously and that Bruno Labbadia will face a tough challenge tonight.
Van Gaal said, “If we win, we will be satisfied going into the winter break. That will determine whether or not we have a happy Christmas. We have to win. We want to fight for all trophies right until the very end. If we win (against Stuttgart), I will be pleased but nothing more. I don't know how they will react to the situation, They could be even more unsure of themselves or they could have greater motivation. A cup game is always something different - a winner takes all situation.”
Probable Starting XI
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cacau-c8235.
Bayern Munich: Butt – Lahm, Tymoshchuk, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Breno-c8038, Contento – Van Bommel, Ottl – Mueller, Schweinsteiger, Ribery – Gomez.
Update: Stuttgart and Bayern Munich are tied 2-2 at halftime, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andreas-Ottl-c5757 and Mario Gomez both scoring for Bayern Munich in the opening minutes of the match.
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