Kerem, the 2-1 victory over Porto was the fourth win in succession. How confident is everybody ahead of the clash with FC Augsburg?
"Of course, a run like that builds confidence. We can go into the game on the front foot. But the match against Augsburg starts with the score at 0-0. We'll have to put in as much effort as we did against Porto to win this game. It won’t be a walk in the park."
You played the full 90 minutes on Thursday and provided the assist for the opening goal. What's your assessment of the game looking back after a couple of days?
"It was disappointing to concede a goal. Particularly as the foul, that led to the free kick ahead of it being 2-1, definitely wasn't right. It was a mistake by the referee. But I'm sure we can put on a very good display in Porto and get on the score sheet."
In Florian Niederlechner, Augsburg have the third highest goalscorer in the Bundesliga in their ranks. How will you stop him on Sunday?
"We need to concentrate more on ourselves. Of course, the coaches will prepare us very well for the opponents once again but we're playing at our ground and in front of our own fans. We want to control the game and win it at the end of the day."
Augsburg haven’t won the last two games and are mid-table. What sort of opposition are you expecting?
"They're a team that play well in transition. Therefore, we definitely need to avoid making mistakes in possession in our build-ups. And we want to play our game. We'll have to do a lot off the ball to create space and to make ourselves available for team-mates. That worked against Porto so long may it continue."
There are some crucial weeks ahead. The mood in the team could hardly be better, wouldn't you say?
"Of course, a run of wins does have an effect on the atmosphere in the dressing room. But much more important than a good atmosphere is the desire for success. We are still in three competitions but haven't achieved anything yet. So it's all about carrying on."
The Nerazzurri are in town: Today, Tuesday 10 December, Bayer 04 entertain the reigning champions of Italy Inter Milan on Matchday 6 in the UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21.00 CET/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). Read on for the latest information on the home game at the BayArena.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 U19 team lost 1-0 to Inter Milan on the sixth and final matchday in the league phase of the UEFA Youth League 2024/25. The only goal of the game was scored just after the hour mark. While the side from North Italy have finished top in the league phase with a maximum points return, the Leverkusen team appeared to have just missed out on the knockout stages of the European competition. There is faint hope looking to several games to follow where results are needed to go the way of the Werkself.
Show moreItalian teams are known for being strong in defence. The fact that Inter Milan, the next opponents for the Werkself in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 20.45 CET), have not conceded a single goal in their last five matches is impressive. Will the visitors' keeper Yann Sommer be able to keep a clean sheet at the BayArena against Florian Wirtz and Co.? The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga Matchday 16. The game at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday, 10 January 2025, kicks off at 20.30 CET. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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