Muller hands Bayern penalty duty to Lewandowski for DFB-Pokal final

BERLIN - In the wake of his miss in the Champions League semi-final, Thomas Muller says Robert Lewandowski will take any penalties awarded to Bayern Munich in Saturday's German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund.

"If there is a penalty and Lewy is on the pitch, he will take it," Muller said on Wednesday, with a wink. "That doesn't mean I will never take a penalty again."

Muller was left with his head in his hands at the Allianz Arena after his first-half penalty attempt was crucially saved by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak on May 3 with his side 1-0 up.

Antoine Griezmann went on to score Atletico's important away goal in Munich, as Bayern exited the last four in Europe for the third year running, losing on away goals despite a 2-1 second-leg win.

The German Cup final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium will see Germany's top teams go head-to-head and Muller expects Dortmund to come out all guns blazing.

"They will certainly be waiting with the knives between their teeth for us," said Muller.

Dortmund took just one point from its last two league games after a 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Eintracht Frankfurt and a 2-2 draw at home to 1. FC Koln.

But Muller says recent form will count for nothing come kick-off in Berlin.

"It doesn't matter what came before, nothing is given away in a final," he said.

The final will be Pep Guardiola's last game as Bayern coach after three years in charge, before he takes over at Manchester City next season.

After winning a record fourth straight Bundesliga title, the Bavarian giants want to bid farewell to the Spaniard with the double.

Dortmund captain Mats Hummels will play his final game in the black-and-yellow jersey before joining Bayern next season.

"I know this situation," said Bayern's Lewandowski, who himself left Dortmund for Munich two years ago. "Even if you are mentally strong, it is still not easy. He will give 100 percent, that is for sure.

"I know Mats and he will show that he's still a Borussia Dortmund player and a professional.

"But it won't be easy for Borussia Dortmund."