Bayern Munich Was Unlucky – Jupp Heynckes

Niko Kovac has said “football writes the best stories” after his Eintracht Frankfurt side beat future employer Bayern Munich 3-1 in a dramatic DFB Pokal final.

“Football writes the best stories and that’s what make this sport so interesting. I’m really pleased for the club, for the brilliant fans and for my excellent team,” Kovac told German broadcaster ARD.

“This team has always worked so hard for me over the two and a half years I’ve been here. This year we’ve crowned our hard work with success and in the end, I don’t think it was undeserved.

“Obviously, I’m very pleased to have won the trophy, but I’m sad to be leaving too. Of course, it’s clear where I am going to but I’ve had two and a half wonderful years here. We’ve achieved great things. I’m sad to be leaving because I am leaving a team behind with a great character and excellent players. Now I have to leave, but it’s always nicest when you’ve achieved the highpoint of your success.”

Kovac said he apologised to Heynckes after the win and wished the outgoing Bayern boss all the best after the upset victory that was much closer than the final scoreline indicated.

Kovac admitted that Bayern were deprived a clear opportunity to make it 2-2 in the final minute. “Kevin [Prince Boateng] wanted to clear the ball but he makes contact with [Martinez’s] foot.”

Asked whether it should have been a penalty: “In my opinion, yes, that was a penalty,” said Kovac.

Meanwhile, Bayern coach Heynckes said he hadn’t seen the play, but that all of his players said it was a clear penalty.

Heynckes then reviewed via TV replay and added: “Yes, it was a penalty but we shouldn’t continue with our criticism. We have to analyse our own game, we made a mistake for the opening goal and we didn’t take our chances.

“Of course, we were a little unlucky twice hitting the woodwork, but we didn’t play with enough fluidity nor apply enough pressure like we normally do.”