Coach Hansi Flick of Bayern Munich is betting on the return of playmaker Thiago for the DFB Cup final against Bayer Leverkusen on July 4 (8:00 p.m. / ARD and Sky) in Berlin. “It is the plan that he can be there,” said Flick on Friday.
Cup: Thiago is probably available to Bayern
Flick cannot understand the widely voiced view that the Spaniard’s rumored departure in summer is not a great loss. “There are always so-called experts who have their own opinions. But when you see him on the court, what extraordinary quality he has – in possession of the ball, but also against the ball as a six – there are no two opinions for me,” said Flick: “He is an exceptional player who gives a team that certain something.”
According to Flick, Thiago, who is back in running training after his groin surgery, is not yet an alternative for the Bundesliga season finale at VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday (3.30 p.m. / Sky). In contrast, Philippe Coutinho will be back in the squad and Alvaro Odriozola in the starting XI.
Niklas Süle and Corentin Tolisso are expected by the coach of the German soccer record champion only after the break that follows the cup final and before the mini-tournament in the Champions League in August. “Niklas is on a very, very good path, but Wolfsburg is still a bit early,” said Flick about Süle.
He is satisfied with full-back Odriozola, who is on loan from Real Madrid, said Flick, although he has only been used three times so far. “I’m not disappointed with him, he’s an absolute professional. He didn’t have an easy time here, but he’s still very committed and takes the whole thing very professionally.”
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