Felix Magath Confident Schalke Can Beat Bayern Munich

Struggling German side Schalke take on reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal, and head coach Felix Magath is confident that the Koenigsblauen have a chance against FC Hollywood.

“The game brings together the only two Bundesliga teams who are still in all three competitions. That makes it a very appealing tie,” said Magath on the club’s official website.

“It’s a chance for us to lift a trophy this season because the winners will meet a second-division side in the final and on neutral ground in Berlin, have to be considered favorites. Winning the DFB Cup would mean we would qualify for Europe next season.”

Magath also warned that in order to progress, his team will need to be able to shackle the attacking talent Louis van Gaal’s side possesses.

He continued: “Bayern are the favorites but we’re in with a chance of reaching the final. They have exceptional quality in their ranks. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are one part of Bayern’s game. Not many teams have such outstanding players in the wide positions. And in Mario Gomez and Thomas Mueller they have two more superb attacking players.

“We’ll have to control these players as best we can but you can never completely neutralize them. But Bayern don’t have quite so much quality at the back as they do in attack, so we’ll be looking to create chances going forward rather than packing the defense.”