Berlin is red. “I know a lot of people who have travelled to Berlin even without a ticket,” said SC head coach Christian Streich the day before the final. He described this game as “the highlight of an amazing season.” The dress code for SC fans in Berlin will be all red. “We’re obviously really excited for the game. It’s a special one for us,” stated captain Christian Günter, whose coach added: “Being in Berlin is a real one-off experience. We’re really looking forward to it.”

SC have played five Pokal games this season, winning all of them away from home. The sixth, the final, is effectively another away game too. The opponent this time is RB Leipzig, who Freiburg have faced twice in the league this season. Both encounters ended 1-1 in the Bundesliga. “We’ve played each other a fair few times now and the games have always been high class. I’m excited to play against Leipzig. I hope that it will be a close game and we can go toe-to-toe with them," said Streich.

“It’s a football game”

Günter revealed that the side hasn’t prepared any differently for the final. “It’s obviously a special occasion, but it’s still a football game. We have prepared for it just as we did for the 34 Bundesliga games and five Pokal games previously this season. It’s important that we keep up our same routine.” Streich agrees with his captain, and acknowledged that his players need to find the right balance in their game. “We need to be focused. We haven’t played many finals, so it’s something special for us. We can’t forget that it’s still a football game and we need the right mix.”

Streich doesn’t believe that the team will need any additional motivation. “The lads are really, really hungry ahead of tomorrow. This is the high point of the season. Despite that, they’re not nervous or tense. They’ve got a lot of experience now. As coach, I don’t have to do anything special.” Günter backed up what his coach said: “We all play football to try and win a cup like this one. We will give our all on the pitch tomorrow and hopefully get our reward for a great season.”

One thing is for sure, however. Everyone at the club – from the fans to the staff – is buzzing for the cup final. Streich is also excited, but was quick to play down the importance. “It would be great if we could win the Pokal, but it won't be the end of the world if we don't."