16.03.2026Werkself-TV

Hjulmand ahead of #ARSB04: “We’ve come here to win this game”

Can Bayer 04 pull off a coup in London? Just over a week after the 1-1 draw in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie, the Werkself are now looking to put in a convincing performance away at Arsenal – and get a result to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Ahead of the match on Tuesday, (kick-off: 21:00 CET), head coach Kasper Hjulmand shared his thoughts on the team’s hunger for success. Exequiel Palacios, meanwhile, spoke about the importance of the fixture and the team’s development over the past few months.

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“We’re expecting a special atmosphere in the stadium and opponents who will certainly look to start the game in an active, attacking and aggressive manner,” said Kasper Hjulmand at the press conference on Monday evening in the Emirates media centre. “But we’re ready for that and have already put in some good performances this season, including in the Champions League" (such as the 2–0 win at Manchester City, Ed.).

Palacios: “I believe in our team and our strengths”

This undoubtedly applies just as much to their two impressive recent performances in the first leg against Arsenal and in the weekend's 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the league. “For us, tomorrow is like a final; it's all or nothing,” said Exequiel Palacios, stressing: “I believe in our team and our strengths. Arsenal might approach this differently to the first leg, but that doesn’t worry us. We’re full of anticipation and ready for the challenge.”

When asked about the changes to the Werkself squad at the start of the campaign and the team’s progress so far this season, the Argentine World Cup winner also said: “A few key players left, but at the same time some great talents with plenty of potential arrived. It’s an exciting time. And we still have experienced and successful players like [Alejandro] Grimaldo, Robert [Andrich] and Patrik [Schick] in the squad. It’s the right mix. Personally, I always want to give my all and help the team as much as I can so we can achieve our goals.”

TERRIER AVAILABLE – “THERE’S A LOT OF HUNGER IN THE TEAM”

In terms of squad availability, there are no absences to report compared to the draw against FC Bayern. Hjulmand also sounded the all-clear regarding Martin Terrier, who had taken a knock on his ankle during the match against the Munich side.

As a result, the Dane is in a correspondingly positive frame of mind ahead of this return leg in north London: “It’s the third big game in just a few days. We’re ready. The team is raring to go, and I really like that. We’ve come here to win this game.”

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