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El Salvador
The team are travelling to North Rhine-Westphalia for a Bundesliga matchday for the third time already this year, and for the second time on a Sunday (05.03.23, 15:30 CET). On matchday 23, Bayer 04 Leverkusen play host to the ‘Old Lady’. It will be a difficult task against the Europa League participants, with Sandro Schwarz expecting to face “a very good team with a high tempo and a lot of quality on the pitch. Out of possession and in transition, we will have to play well. At the end of the day, it’s down to us to drag the game our way,” suggested the 44-year-old in his pre-match press conference. He was joined at the podium by Benjamin Weber, who also emphasised a focus on the here and now, also with regards to questions surrounding the squad. “Of course, we are building a picture, leading open-ended talks and pushing ahead with our planning. For us now, first thing’s first is competing successfully for the rest of the season. We still have twelve games ahead of us and total confidence in the whole squad,” underlined Hertha’s sporting director. herthabsc.com has summarised all of their comments. Schwarz and Weber spoke about…
… the situation in defence:
Schwarz: At left-back, Marvin Plattenhardt has the momentum and is currently a step ahead. Maximilian Mittelstädt is dealing with it well and we are happy to have both of their quality. We also need this competition for places! So it’s good to that all our defenders are back fit again. The decision on who plays then depends on the opposition. We will start with three centre-backs, but will need all of them! I’m happy that the boys are all healthy and fit.
… the task facing them in Leverkusen:
Schwarz: Leverkusen are a very good team with a high tempo and a lot of quality on the pitch, which they have recently proved in European competition. Especially in the middle of the park, Bayer have a lot of footballing ability. Out of possession and in transition, we will have to play well to have any chance of winning the game. At the end of the day, it’s down to us to drag the game our way. We have to be ready to defend their speed and to find space ourselves where we can play football and cause them problems.
… squad planning and contract talks:
Weber: Of course, we are building a picture, leading open-ended talks and pushing ahead with our planning. But we won’t comment every day on individual cases, because for us now, first thing’s first is competing successfully for the rest of the season. We still have twelve games ahead of us and total confidence in the whole squad!
