Bayer Leverkusen Initiates Legal Action Against Itself in Jena
Bayer Leverkusen manages to edge out Carl Zeiss Jena by a singular goal in the DFB-Pokal. Jonas Hofmann's header proved sufficient for victory, but Leverkusen remains unfulfilled. Robert Andrich promises to enhance their performance moving forward.
Fresh face Hamza Muqaj, at just 18 years old, had the opportunity to make a significant impact in professional football during this cup match. In extra time, he received the ball in a prime position to potentially equalize, but he missed his mark, barely clearing the crossbar. This near-miss left Jena frustrated, but Bayer Leverkusen still managed to secure the 1-0 win.
Afterward, Robert Andrich admitted the team's subpar performance, saying, "We're just delighted to advance, but we know we didn't perform at our best today. We have to discuss our approach for 90 minutes, and it simply wasn't good enough, even against a regional league side." Coach Xabi Alonso echoed similar sentiments, expressing his dissatisfaction in an almost apologetic manner, with the occurrence of humiliation looming large.
"A harsh reminder"
Andrich elaborated on the team's disappointing display, stating, "We didn't execute our strengths. We made too many inexplicable errors. Those mistakes stir the crowd, but the calmness lacking in our game was a significant issue." Andrich's critique wasn't reserved for just the team's performance on the night, as he pointed out, "We only displayed the desired qualities for about 10 minutes out of the 90. That's simply not enough. Our primary objective tonight was to play with focus, and we failed miserably."
Even the match-winner Hofmann acknowledged the team's below-par performance, predicting, "This result should serve as a wake-up call for us. It should illustrate that our efforts in the past aren't sufficient. As a unit, we ought to up our game."
Leverkusen's previous season saw them achieve an impressive feat, only suffering one defeat. Their success culminated in the Europa League final victory against Atalanta Bergamo, as well as securing the double of the championship and the DFB-Pokal. Despite several key departures and new signings, Leverkusen has yet to find its rhythm, starting the season with controversial VAR decisions aiding their victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Bayer aims to fortify defense with two acquisitions
The team's performance against Carl Zeiss Jena left little room for speculation on what may have transpired if Muqaj had scored. Perhaps Bayer could have responded effectively, thereby extending the game into extra time or even emerging victorious. The late elimination is one of Leverkusen's distinct specialties. With the upcoming matches against top-tier opposition looming, improving performances has become a paramount concern for the team, as they aim to uphold their ambitious objectives this season.
Simon Rolfes, the Sport Managing Director, remarked on the team's lackluster performance against Carl Zeiss Jena, stating, "We struggled to create a dynamic and intense game." Rolfes defended the team's composition, with Alonso having made considerable adjustments to the starting lineup, pointing out, "We have a robust squad, and each player has the right to take the field." Four key players—Alejandro Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong—sat on the bench, suggesting they could still play a significant role in the ongoing season.
The squad underwent some alterations for the cup game, with defender Nordi Mukiele, who had previously played for RB Leipzig, joining the team on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain. In exchange, Leverkusen shipped center-back Odilon Kossounou to Italian Serie A side Atalanta Bergamo, who have the option to purchase his contract subsequent to the loan period.
However, it was Bayer's offense that demanded the most attention following the cup match. The combination failed to click, as evidenced by Patrick Schick's missed shot and Amine Adli's strike against the post. With 15,000 enthusiastic fans cheering them on, the regional league leaders put up a valiant display and didn't shy away from the challenge, ultimately leaving a final, potentially historic goal missed.
Alonso wasn't satisfied with the situation, and he acted. Alejandro Grimaldo entered the fray. The skilled Spaniard instantly impacted the game. His cross found the head of Hofmann, resulting in a goal - 0:1. However, the match didn't develop as one might have predicted. Jena didn't lose their spirit. Why should they? What did the leaders of Regionalliga Ost have to lose? Nothing. Kay Seidemann (65.) had a prime opportunity, while Nils Butzen (77.) got the next chance. Sadly, Muqaj missed his mark. Throughout the game, Bayer faced some taunts from the Jena crowd: "Think you're going to be German champions?" Alonso replied cynically: "That's typical cup. Jena played well, fought until the last second."
Following their struggle against Carl Zeiss Jena, Bayer Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, acknowledged the need for improvement in the team's performance in the football league, stating, "We cannot afford to repeat this subpar display in the Bundesliga." The team's poor performance in the DFB-Pokal served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining focus and executing their strengths consistently.
As Leverkusen looks to fortify their defense and uphold their ambitious objectives this season, Simon Rolfes, the Sport Managing Director, emphasized the importance of the entire squad, saying, "We have a strong squad, and every player deserves to contribute." The team's upcoming matches against top-tier opposition underscore the necessity of improved performances, as they aim to maintain their standing in the Football league.
