‘Score an early goal if possible’

Nadiem, after the 2-0 defeat in Berlin qualify for the Champions League is no longer in your own hands – how are you approaching this situation as a team?
That was obviously a very bitter blow. It was very annoying. But now we need to look forwards. We have two opportunities to qualify for the Champions League: a slight chance at the weekend and then in the Europa League in August.

In a repeat of last season, it's a battle with Mönchengladbach for a place in the Champions League. How do you want to come out on top on Saturday?
There's only one target for Saturday: We definitely want to win the home game against Mainz. We need to be wide awake from the start, put the opponents under pressure and score an early goal if possible. And then score again. That could put Gladbach under pressure.

To achieve the key target, we're dependent on help from Hertha Berlin. Were there any discussions with them after the game on Saturday?
I've known Jordan Torunarigha for a number of years. We played together for the national youth teams for a long time. I think he’s well aware he could do us a huge favour. (He laughs). If they get stuck in like they did against us then they can make life difficult for Gladbach.

Mainz 05 are sure of staying up and can play with freedom at the BayArena. What sort of game expecting to end the season?
It will be end to end. Mainz have got a lot of quality up front. Players like Quaison or Mateta can play really well. It could be an interesting game.

How important is the game against Mainz as the final test of strength ahead of the forthcoming cup final against Bayern?
Of course, a win in the last game gives you confidence makes you feel good. Then we would have 63 points, five more than last year and a good season under our belts, which we could round off by winning the cup. At the moment, my full concentration is on the Mainz game. It's the only thing that counts.

Your first season under the Bayer Cross is nearly over. What's your assessment of your first season at Leverkusen?
Actually it's still too early to make that assessment. But I can say that I settled in here really quickly was able to play a few good games before the suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic. It's not really gone that well for me after the restart. But that's normal. The season has its ups and downs. However, I feel better now and want to give my all in the final games.

The story: Nadiem Amiri - at home on the Rhine

Nadiem Amiri and the Rhine: He was born and grew up in Ludwigshafen, he now plays for Leverkusen and lives in Düsseldorf Oberkassel – again right on the river Rhine. HERE is the big story about Nadiem Amiri.