Throw everything in for one last time in the 2022/23 season – that's what it's about for FC Bayern when Thomas Tuchel's men visit 1. FC Köln on Saturday afternoon (live text and free Web Radio from 15:30 CEST on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app). In our preview we've summarised all the information on the final game of the season, the opponents, the team news and the battle for the title with Borussia Dortmund.
The photos from Friday's final training session:
The state of play for Bayern
It's going down to the final matchday! The Munich men are dependent on help in the title race, with Dortmund two points ahead of the record champions at the top. Thomas Müller and Co have to keep their side of the bargain first and pick up three points in Cologne. Should the Black and Yellows simultaneously fail to win their home match against 1. FSV Mainz 05, then Bayern's name will be on the trophy for the 11th year in a row. If BVB draw, FCB's better goal difference would tip the balance in favour of Tuchel's side. So, drama is guaranteed at the end of a season which has already seen several changes at the top.
"Our situation is completely clear: we have to win and we need help from others," said Tuchel in Friday's press conference, adding: "Anything can happen in any match. All it takes is one moment of inattention. We'll keep to ourselves and try to do as well as possible. The whole focus is on the final match."
You can watch Thomas Tuchel's press conference in full here:
The opponents: Köln
The hosts have had a respectable campaign and currently sit in 10th place with 42 points. Thanks to a good run of just one defeat in their last eight Bundesliga outings, Effzeh were able to guarantee their survival in good time. "If you need to motivate someone against Bayern, then you're in the wrong job. I'm glad we're safe," said coach Steffen Baumgart ahead of the encounter. "In my opinion we've had a very good season with 42 points. Now we have the chance to make it 45. Bayern are still the best team we have in Germany."
The key facts on the clash with Köln:
The team news for Köln vs. Bayern
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will return to the squad against the Billy Goats following his knee problems. "He's ready. His reintegration started last week and he's been fully involved for the last two sessions without any reaction in the knee," confirmed Tuchel. Lucas Hernández returned to full training during the week around six months on from his cruciate ligament tear, but like Manuel Neuer and Alphonso Davies (both in individual training), he's not in contention for the last fixture of the season. Davies began working with the ball again on Friday morning.
Köln are without striker Steffen Tigges, who injured his shoulder last weekend. Tim Lemperle will take his place in the squad. Sargis Adamyan is also ruled out with a knock to his foot. "Davie Selke will return to the starting XI in place of Steffen Tigges. Apart from that there'll be no changes; the line-up will be as it's been in previous weeks," revealed Baumgart in his pre-match press conference.
Good news on Alphonso Davies:
What the coaches say
I’m expecting a passionate crowd and passionate opponents, who run a tremendous amount, who press extremely high. They often win possession high up the field and rely very much on the physical elements. They’ll play with a particular energy in the final game. It’s extremely difficult to score goals and to win in Cologne. We need complete focus and to win the little battles. We need our quality from the first second, we can’t allow any lapses in concentration. We have to stick clearly to the plan so that we can hurt Köln and win this match.
Thomas Tuchel
FC Bayern are a formidable team, they’ll try to forcibly steer the game in their direction. Nevertheless we’ll play our football. We know what quality we’re up against. We have to produce an absolutely top performance to stand a chance. We’re going into the contest with a lot of respect. After all there’s nothing better than getting to play against Bayern Munich. I’m looking forward to great opponents.
Steffen Baumgart (1. FC Köln coach)
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