""We're not panicking," Hjulmand said at Monday's pre-match press conference. "Sometimes there are simply setbacks, that's all part of it. "We remain calm, are optimistic and feel good. The players know what to do. "Of course, we've analysed the Stuttgart game and looked at our shape in one-v-ones and duels. We know we absolutely have to do better against HSV. That's our full focus now.""
"Leverkusen could have Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza available after Cameroon and Algeria were both eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations, but Hjulmand will check on their conditions ahead of the game. "We have to see how they feel. I know how much pressure national teams are under at a tournament like this," the former Denmark boss said. "It's important for me to talk to them and see them on the pitch to assess how ready they are.""
Leverkusen conceded four first-half goals in a 4-1 loss to Stuttgart, their heaviest defeat since a 7-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Jamie Leweling scored twice, while Deniz Undav recorded two goals and two assists. Thirty-six goals have now been conceded in the first halves of Leverkusen's Bundesliga matches this season. Leverkusen sit fourth in the table, only ahead of fifth-placed Stuttgart on goal difference, with Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt within three points. The squad remains calm, has analysed the Stuttgart game, and must improve one-v-one and duel situations. Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza could be available after Cameroon and Algeria exited the Africa Cup of Nations.
Read at Soccer News
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]