Bayer Leverkusen got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start. After some problems at the beginning, Bayer deservedly won their opening Group E fixture 4-1 against BATE Borisov. Bernd Leno was reliable between the sticks, but was frustrated nonetheless with the goal conceded. In an interview with DFB.de, the former national U21 goalkeeper spoke about the successful start in the Champions League, new arrival Chicharito, and the team's confidence ahead of this Sunday's clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Question: Bernd Leno, Bayer began their Champions League campaign with a win. What did you think of the game?
Bernd Leno: The first thing to say is that the result was good for us, and for the most part we played well, too. We noticed that we have probably always been a bit too keen going into Champions League games, but that goes to show how passionate the team is. There were a few periods in the first half when it didn't click so well for us, but all in all it turned out to be a fairly comprehensive win.
Question: Do you think the team responded in the right way after last Saturday's loss against promoted Darmstadt 98?
Leno: After the loss against Darmstadt, when we were below par, it was important to respond properly, and we managed that.
Question: How annoying did you find the goal you conceded? You would have taken the ball if Roberto Hilbert hadn't deflected it.
Leno: Probably. I also thought at the time that I was going to catch it. I was annoyed, but in hindsight I can let it go. Everything happens so quickly. Roberto can't do much in that situation – it would have made even less sense to just leave it or to try and go for it with his hand. It was an unlucky goal to concede but thankfully it didn't decide the match.
Question: Do the team have a problem with set pieces? The goal Darmstadt scored against you was almost identical…
Bayer Leverkusen got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start. After some problems at the beginning, Bayer deservedly won their opening Group E fixture 4-1 against BATE Borisov. Bernd Leno was reliable between the sticks, but was frustrated nonetheless with the goal conceded. In an interview with DFB.de, the former national U21 goalkeeper spoke about the successful start in the Champions League, new arrival Chicharito, and the team's confidence ahead of this Sunday's clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Question: Bernd Leno, Bayer began their Champions League campaign with a win. What did you think of the game?
Bernd Leno: The first thing to say is that the result was good for us, and for the most part we played well, too. We noticed that we have probably always been a bit too keen going into Champions League games, but that goes to show how passionate the team is. There were a few periods in the first half when it didn't click so well for us, but all in all it turned out to be a fairly comprehensive win.
Question: Do you think the team responded in the right way after last Saturday's loss against promoted Darmstadt 98?
Leno: After the loss against Darmstadt, when we were below par, it was important to respond properly, and we managed that.
Question: How annoying did you find the goal you conceded? You would have taken the ball if Roberto Hilbert hadn't deflected it.
Leno: Probably. I also thought at the time that I was going to catch it. I was annoyed, but in hindsight I can let it go. Everything happens so quickly. Roberto can't do much in that situation – it would have made even less sense to just leave it or to try and go for it with his hand. It was an unlucky goal to concede but thankfully it didn't decide the match.
Question: Do the team have a problem with set pieces? The goal Darmstadt scored against you was almost identical…
Leno: Looking at the last two games, obviously we've conceded two goals from set plays, but usually we defend them well. We're a big side and our players are good in the air, so we're not going to get carried away by it.
Question: How important was the win for your confidence ahead of the huge game on Sunday at Borussia Dortmund?
Leno: Very important. First of all, we really needed the three points in the Champions League, but secondly, we needed to show the right response after the Darmstadt match. We managed that, so we're well set up for the game on Sunday.
Question: New signing Chicharito scored his first goal for Leverkusen. What impression has he made on you?
Leno: A very quick impression. You can see that he's settled in very well and he brings a lot to our game because he has a habit of being in the right place at the right time. It also helps that he speaks good English and communicates very well with everyone. I think that is obvious on the pitch.
