Werkself review #B04KOE: ‘Build on the performances in the last 14 games’

SUMMARY: LOTS OF EFFORT, NO WAY THROUGH

For the clash with FC Köln, Xabi Alonso played Nadiem Amiri and Amine Adli in place of Odilon Kossounou and Adam Hlozek (both on the bench) in changes from the goalless draw at Union Berlin. The Werkself made a lively start to the game but suffered a setback out of the blue on 14 minutes: FC Köln striker Davie Selke scored the first goal of the game (14'). The visitors lead did not last long as Adli equalised on 28 minutes with a shot from outside the box. The hosts had the upper hand in front of a full house at the BayArena but the team from Cologne were more effective in front of goal. Selke restored the lead with his second goal (36') and that was the final scoreline. HERE is the match report.

REACTION: "CARRY FORWARD MENTALITY AND POSITIVES"

The assessment from head coach Alonso: "The game was very hectic. That's something we'll have to learn and handle better. I think a draw would have been a fair result. Now we have more time to prepare for Roma. Hopefully we’ll do better there than we did today. A semi-final in the Europa League is something very special for the club."

Adli also expressed his disappointment after the game on Werkself TV: "We wanted to win – for our fans. Nevertheless defeats can always happen. Of course, it hurts more when it's a derby. But we have to maintain our mentality and take the good things with us for the next important match," said the Frenchman who added: "We have good quality, are a good side and fight as a team. We have to get over this game as quickly as possible and then build on the performances in the last 14 games."

Robert Andrich was also downcast: "I'm very disappointed and also a bit annoyed. A terrible end to the day. Losing a derby and then at home as well. That hurts twice as much. We tried a lot of things but weren't really forceful enough today." And the Werkself number eight, like his teammate before, opted to look forwards: "Focus on Roma by Monday at the latest. We want to get a good result in the first leg."

PERSONNEL: THREE LANDMARKS

Jonathan Tah made his 300th appearance for Bayer 04 against FC Köln. The boss in defence has the most appearances in the current Werkself squad ahead of Karim Bellarabi (290) and skipper Lukas Hradecky (211).

Mitchel Bakker played in his 50th Bundesliga match for the Red and Blacks, and Amiri has now clocked up 200 Bundesliga games with different clubs. Impressive numbers.

STATS: WINNERS IN NUMBERS

A look at the stats shows that the Werkself actually had their noses in front: Moussa Diaby and Co had 13 shots on the goal of FC Köln keeper Marvin Schwäbe and the Cologne team had seven shots on the Werkself net. The Black and Reds were also on top in terms of possession with 64% as well as in duels won with 57%. The same applied to pass completion with 82% while FC Köln had 72%.

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY: ANDRICH IMPRESSES IN WINNING THE BALL

The Rheinische Post headline reads: "Davie Selke brace brings Köln victory in Leverkusen." There are words of praise for midfielder Andrich: "Threw himself into every challenge and set up the equaliser at 1-1 by winning the ball in his own half." The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports: "Köln end Leverkusen run" and also highlights Andrich's performance: "Was again dominant as a holding midfielder in front of defence. Impressed in winning and distributing the ball."

OUTLOOK: SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG COMING UP

The Werkself are now focused on the semi-final first leg away to AS Roma in the Europa League on Thursday 11 May (kick-off: 21.00 CEST). The Bayer 04 first team will then head straight to Baden-Württemberg. Lukas Hradecky and Co face VfB Stuttgart on Bundesliga matchday 32. That game is on Sunday 14 May at the Mercedes-Benz Arena with a 15.30 CEST kick-off.