Leno: Yes of course. I became a national team player here. We are playing in the Champions League and I have hopes that great things are achievable with Leverkusen.
Question: Did you still believe that victory was possible against HSV after conceding the opener?
Leno: Yes I did, since we had chances to score. Chicharito already had a good opportunity by then. After the equaliser I was certain that we should win this game. And then "Danger" (editors note: Pohjanpalo's nickname) finished them off.
Question: What do you make of Pohjanpalo?
Leno: He's a real killer in front of goal and I think we all saw that today. He's also a very calm person. Finns are usually very sociable.
Bernd Leno experienced a turbulent Saturday. He extended his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen and then took to the field against Hamburger SV. His error saw HSV took the lead but a late treble from Joel Pohjanpalo spared his blushes. After the game the keeper spoke to DFB.de.
Question: What happened when you conceded the goal?
Bernd Leno: It was a tricky situation. My timing wasn't perfect and I took a high risk. At first I thought that Bobby Wood would get a touch on the ball, but he didn't which caused me to miscalculate my clearance attempt. I didn't want to risk a red card by fouling him. No question about it: I didn't look too good in that situation.
Question: You extended your contract. Does it have a buy-out clause?
Leno: I don't want to and won't say anything on that. The contract details are no one's business.
Question: But there were moments when you've thought about joining a different club…
Leno: That's correct. I've always signalled to the club that I'm contemplating my future and that I was considering playing abroad. I've been in Leverkusen for five years now after all. But the club convinced me to stay by keeping the team together. They added quality and depth to our squad, which was a major reason for me to extend my contract.
Question: You've become a national team player through Leverkusen. Did that also play a role in your contract extension.
Leno: Yes of course. I became a national team player here. We are playing in the Champions League and I have hopes that great things are achievable with Leverkusen.
Question: Did you still believe that victory was possible against HSV after conceding the opener?
Leno: Yes I did, since we had chances to score. Chicharito already had a good opportunity by then. After the equaliser I was certain that we should win this game. And then "Danger" (editors note: Pohjanpalo's nickname) finished them off.
Question: What do you make of Pohjanpalo?
Leno: He's a real killer in front of goal and I think we all saw that today. He's also a very calm person. Finns are usually very sociable.
