Leverkusen could face a shock against Lautern. - At the time Funkel won the trophy, Alonso was only 3 years old.
May 25, 2024: The veteran coach, Funkel (70), returns to the cup final, this time leading the second-division team Lautern. He will face off against Leverkusen's mastermind Alonso (42).
Will Funkel, who plans to retire from Lautern, achieve another cup miracle in this probable final match of his career? The undefeated Werkself are clear favorites in the Bundesliga.
Despite this, Lautern's professional, Ritter (29), remains optimistic: "We're not going there to be defeated - it's a cup final. There are matches in the cup that nobody expects."
Following their devastating 3-0 loss in the Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo, Leverkusen aims to cap their season with a double. They want to present both trophies to over 40,000 fans in their stadium on Sunday.
After the heartbreaking defeat in Dublin, Alonso mentioned: "We need to transform this pain into positive energy. You don't forget a loss in a final. No one was at their best, not even me. It's not natural to lose in the 52nd game. It will be a challenge for us to see how we move forward."
Lautern's Kenny Prince Redondo (29) speaks highly of his coach: "He stays the same - calm and composed. He exudes a sense of routine, prepares us in the best possible way without causing a stir."
Redondo expresses his admiration for his coach - and he shows it for Alonso too. Funkel remarks:
Funkel praises Alonso: "The way he reacts on the sidelines, he only has a positive image. He's very genuine. He's simply an excellent coach. He's won everything through his experience and charisma. Kudos to Xabi."
Alonso returns the kind words, acknowledging Funkel: "It's always an honor for me to compete against a coach with a storied soccer career."
Ten minutes after the kick-off at the Olympia Stadium, is there a possibility for Lautern to secure their first cup victory since 1996? Leverkusen has only clinched the DFB Cup once. In 1993, against Hertha's third division amateurs.
Is there a sliver of hope for Lautern's triumph against the dominating Werkself? Let's watch the game and find out. Saturday, 8 p.m. (live ticker here).
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Source: symclub.org
