Bayer Leverkusen boss wants to draw from energy of fans against Bayern Munich

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 21: Kasper Hjulmand of Leverkusen during a press conference prior to the DFB Pokal match against Bayern München at BayArena on April 21, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand knows the kind of challenge that his club is about to face in the DFB-Pokal against Bayern Munich and is hoping the home crowd energy can provide his squad a boost.

“It’s a big challenge against one of the best teams in the world. We did well against them in the league game in March, but we again need to be very precise and sharp and take our chances. The DFB-Pokal final is one of the biggest fixtures in Europe. We really want to be there. The chance to play a final and win something special is our big motivation,” said Hjulmand (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Bayern were very dominant throughout the season and fully deserved the league title. Congratulations to them from me. Bayern are very aggressive in their pressing. But we also have great quality on the ball. We need the energy in our stadium.

“We have to be strong individually and as a team. We’ve had good games against top opponents already this season. The team is ready for the game and will give their all. The players play for the fans and the club, and will give their all to achieve the goal of getting to Berlin.”

Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have become frequent opponents of late as they have met in league play, the DFB-Pokal, and the Champions League over the past two seasons. The clubs are well-acquainted and some would argue that bad blood has developed as well. That should make for a lot of entertainment as each team is eager to make it back to Berlin for the final.