Hjulmand ahead of #B04PSG: ‘Confidence in our own game against the best team in the world’

"PSG are perhaps the best team in the world. They have won five trophies in this calendar year. We have a lot of respect and it will be a difficult task. But we're also looking forward to it, because Champions League matches are always great. We’re at home and are determined to show our qualities. We'll give everything to win," said Kasper Hjulmand at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.

Therefore, it will be important for the Dane to "follow his own principles". Hjulmand continued: "PSG are a team with top quality in all positions and all phases of the game. They have a good build-up from the back, are direct and quick, are good one-on-one and very aggressive when pressing. It's a weapon of theirs, but it also brings risks and opportunities for us. We have confidence in our own game and I think we will have our chances."

Badé: "give everything for three points"

Also for defender Loïc Badé, PSG, who are third in the UCL table with six points from their two games so far, are currently the best team in the world. "We saw that last season," said the Frenchman, who added: "It will be a special game for me. I come from the Paris region and it will be nice to play against this team. We want to bring everything to the pitch and get the three points."

Compatriot and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembelé is also a "complete player" for Badé. He has many qualities and is good with both feet. We have to defend against him and the other players in the team and coordinate well with each other." Whether Dembelé will play is still doubtful. The Frenchman has been injured recently, but will most likely at least be on the bench. Find out more about the squad in our lowdown on our next opponents.

In terms of his own players, Hjulmand explained that the injured Nathan Tella, Lucas Vázquez, Exequiel Palacios, Malik Tillman and Axel Tape are still ruled out. On Patrik Schick and Jarell Quansah, Hjulmand said: "Both are looking better, but we'll have to wait and see."

Hjulmand: "we're on the right  track"

Despite the daunting task, the Werkself can go into the game with confidence. Leverkusen are still unbeaten under Hjulmand. They have played seven games under the management of the Dane. Hjulmand: "We are on the right track. The team needs games and time to find each other. We are making good progress. After every game, I analyse what we've learned and what we need to improve. I clearly see the possibilities and the potential of this team."

Badé also sees the positive progress in the team and says: "Things are going well for us at the moment, we are getting better and better. We're still getting to know each other, but I see a positive development. Nevertheless, we saw in the last game that we still need to improve defensively. We're working on that as a team."

full house at the BayArena – live on Prime Video

The Werkself can look forward to the support of a capacity crowd at the BayArena against PSG. Fans who cannot watch the match in person can watch it live on Prime Video. In addition, Werkself Radio will be broadcasting as usual and the live text update service will also keep you up to date. Both Werkself Radio and text updates can be found at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app.