Bayer Leverkusen Maintains Confidence Ahead of Bayern Munich Clash
Despite trailing league leaders Bayern Munich by eight points, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes dismisses any notion of pressure on his team ahead of their crucial encounter this Saturday.
"We have ambition, no question about it, and we want to improve our league position," Rolfes said in a media roundtable. "However, we remain the only German club still competing in three competitions and with a genuine chance of success. We’re having an excellent season."
Heading into the match, Bayern’s dominance has left Leverkusen with a daunting task. Only a Leverkusen victory would keep the Bundesliga title race alive.
Amidst the escalating tension, Rolfes remains unfazed by recent comments made by Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß, who publicly estimated the likelihood of Florian Wirtz joining the Bavarian giants at ten percent.
"That doesn’t concern me at all, and it’s not something that affects us," Rolfes stated. "Bayern has been employing this tactic for decades. But as I’ve said before, it’s no secret that Florian is a player who attracts attention across Europe."
Furthermore, Rolfes downplayed the potential advantage Leverkusen may have due to their extra rest time before the match. Unlike Bayern, Leverkusen is not involved in Champions League action this week after securing their place in the knockout stages.
"Both our players and Bayern’s players are accustomed to playing in midweek matches, handling pressure, and performing in quick succession," Rolfes explained. "While a congested fixture list can eventually make a difference, it won’t have a significant impact in the short term."
Leverkusen’s unwavering optimism stems from their impressive performances on multiple fronts. The club has advanced to the knockout stages of the Champions League, reached the quarterfinals of the DFB Pokal, and remains in contention for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.
"We have a lot to be proud of this season," Rolfes emphasized. "We’re competing against some of the best teams in Europe and holding our own. We’ll continue to approach every match with the same ambition and determination."
While the upcoming clash with Bayern Munich is undoubtedly a significant test, Leverkusen is confident in their abilities. The team will look to build on their recent momentum, led by Wirtz’s brilliance and the contributions of other key players.
"We know it will be a challenging match, but we’re ready for it," Rolfes concluded. "We’ll give it our all and see where it takes us."
As the Bundesliga title race reaches a pivotal moment, the battle between Leverkusen and Bayern Munich promises to be a captivating spectacle. Leverkusen’s resolve and Bayern’s relentless pursuit of success will undoubtedly ignite a thrilling encounter that could have major implications for the eventual outcome of the German championship.
