Çorum FK
Bodrum FK
Salernitana
Hellas Verona
Bologna
Juventus
The clash between Bayer 04 Leverkusen und Hertha BSC was unfortunately a one-sided affair overall. Hertha pulled a goal back, but at full time it was a clear 4-1 defeat. “Leverkusen were a class above in the first half, but we played into their hands. Possibly, we gave them a bit too much respect. We were always half a step too late,” said a disappointed Marc Kempf. Hertha’s number 20 didn’t complain after the game though, and looked ahead to the upcoming game against Mainz 05 (11.03.23, 15:30 CET). “As a team, we pulled ourselves together and were more solid. Now, we want to and have to call upon what we showed in the three games before this against Mainz,” concluded the defender. herthabsc.com has summarised all of the immediate reaction to the game in the Rhineland.
Marc Kempf: Leverkusen were a class above in the first half, but we played into their hands. Possibly, we gave them a bit too much respect, and out of possession we didn’t drop off fully or engage completely. We knew about Bayer’s tempo and how difficult it is to defend against. We were always half a step too late. I don’t think that it’s a big setback for us, though. As a team, we pulled ourselves together and were more solid. Now, we want to and have to call upon what we showed in the three games before this against Mainz – and then we will pick up three points again.
Marvin Plattenhardt: In the first half, we wanted to start high, but were often a step too late and gave the ball away too much. Leverkusen, with the quality they have, played very well in the first half. We didn’t create enough, all in all as a team, we didn’t show enough and didn’t put in a good performance. We have to improve on this as a team, play with more courage and use the next chance we have to pick up points at home better!
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We have to improve on some small things – when do we press, when do we stay compact – and then I have confidence in our team. It’s not an option to be negative.[<]
Tolga Ciğerci: We obviously knew that it wouldn’t be easy against a strong team, but we had high expectations despite this. Unfortunately, we didn’t fully get control of things, especially from a defensive perspective – we did this better as a team in the last few games. We have to put this behind us as quickly as possible. Now, it is about analysing our performance and working hard again in order to pick up the points this coming week against Mainz.
Dodi Lukébakio: We were playing a good team, it wasn’t easy. We were missing a bit of aggression. We have to improve on some small things – when do we press, when do we stay compact – and then I have confidence in our team. It’s not an option to be negative. We want to give everything against Mainz, in front of our home fans and with their support behind us.
