Bayer Leverkusen go into the second leg of their last 16 clash in the Champions League with Atletico Madrid tonight (20:45 CET) with confidence. Roger Schmidt’s side go into the game in a good position following a 1-0 win in the first leg against the reigning Spanish champions. Leverkusen have won their last five games in a row and have not conceded a goal in any of those games.
It’ll be a special game for Leverkusen captain Simon Rolfes, who will retire at the end of the season, as this could be his final game in Europe. The midfielder, who has played 26 times for Germany, spoke to DFB.de about the reasons behind their run, their chances against Madrid and his personal aims on retiring.
DFB.de: Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 won their fifth game in a row with a 4-0 win over Stuttgart. Where was the game won?
Simon Rolfes: We found it tough to get into the game and it was a hectic game at times. Stuttgart never gave up. We had a bit of luck to go 1-0 in front but the goal to make it 2-0 was created brilliantly. The quick two goals hurt Stuttgart. We played well after half time but we saw in the game in the first half of the season how quickly things can change. We kept going and scored two more goals and that settled the game. We also remained fully concentrated on our defensive duties.
DFB.de: What did the team do better this time?
Rolfes: We’re more hard-nosed and are more efficient. We’re also more alert at the back and concentrate more. We’re more hard-nosed whether we’re winning 2-0, 3-0 or 4-0. That means that we don’t allow the opposition back into the game. Overall, we have more control of the game and are able to dictate the tempo better.
DFB.de: Has the win and the good run from the last few weeks given you more confidence going into the game against Madrid?
Rolfes: Obviously it’s good to not concede so we can travel to Madrid with confidence. But it’ll be a different game in Madrid and it’ll be tough. We’re looking forward to it.
Bayer Leverkusen go into the second leg of their last 16 clash in the Champions League with Atletico Madrid tonight (20:45 CET) with confidence. Roger Schmidt’s side go into the game in a good position following a 1-0 win in the first leg against the reigning Spanish champions. Leverkusen have won their last five games in a row and have not conceded a goal in any of those games.
It’ll be a special game for Leverkusen captain Simon Rolfes, who will retire at the end of the season, as this could be his final game in Europe. The midfielder, who has played 26 times for Germany, spoke to DFB.de about the reasons behind their run, their chances against Madrid and his personal aims on retiring.
DFB.de: Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 won their fifth game in a row with a 4-0 win over Stuttgart. Where was the game won?
Simon Rolfes: We found it tough to get into the game and it was a hectic game at times. Stuttgart never gave up. We had a bit of luck to go 1-0 in front but the goal to make it 2-0 was created brilliantly. The quick two goals hurt Stuttgart. We played well after half time but we saw in the game in the first half of the season how quickly things can change. We kept going and scored two more goals and that settled the game. We also remained fully concentrated on our defensive duties.
DFB.de: What did the team do better this time?
Rolfes: We’re more hard-nosed and are more efficient. We’re also more alert at the back and concentrate more. We’re more hard-nosed whether we’re winning 2-0, 3-0 or 4-0. That means that we don’t allow the opposition back into the game. Overall, we have more control of the game and are able to dictate the tempo better.
DFB.de: Has the win and the good run from the last few weeks given you more confidence going into the game against Madrid?
Rolfes: Obviously it’s good to not concede so we can travel to Madrid with confidence. But it’ll be a different game in Madrid and it’ll be tough. We’re looking forward to it.
DFB.de: Are Schalke a role model after they beat Real Madrid 4-3?
Rolfes: They did well and if we can win in Madrid too then it would be wonderful. But we’ll play our own game and Atletico are a completely different team to Real with the way they play and their mentality. They have different strengths so you can’t really compare the two.
DFB.de: Is the 1-0 win from the first leg a good cushion?
Rolfes: It’s a good cushion and we’re in a good position. Everyone knows that we have to be alert because it’ll be a tough game. But it’s useful that we kept a clean sheet in the first leg. We won’t only concentrate on our defensive game but we’ll also concentrate on our attacking game. It’ll become even harder for Atletico if they concede so we have to go forward.
DFB.de: Your strikers haven’t been having too many problems recently after Josip Drmic scored two against VfB. How important is it that that continues?
Rolfes: It’s always important for strikers to score goals. That always gives them confidence. It’s also important in terms of the opposition if they know how dangerous a striker is. That gives them respect so therefore it’s important that the striker scores.
DFB.de: As captain, what have you said to the team ahead of the game?
Rolfes: The game against Stuttgart was in the Bundesliga and was a routine win so they’ll have to concentrate on having the right attitude and being in the right place mentally. Madrid will set-up differently and no one needs any motivation to get fired up. Everyone will need to be at 100%. It’s a particularly special game but also a great one. There’s nothing better than this.
DFB.de: Your run of five games without defeat began with the win in the first leg…
Rolfes: The last few weeks have gone well and we’ll take confidence and defensive stability forward with us. This is a decisive game and we don’t want to look too far ahead. Our focus is fully on Atletico and it’s only this game that matters.
DFB.de: Will you enjoy the game even more because you’re retiring?
Rolfes: I’ve always enjoyed games like this. The knockout games in the Champions League are always special.
DFB.de: Has it settled in that you only have a few games remaining in your career?
Rolfes: Not yet. We’re fully focused on the game and have to win. Sentimentality won’t be an issue yet.
DFB.de: Do you still feel differently about retiring?
Rolfes: No not at all. I've decided that it's the right thing and it's the right time.
