With the round of 16, Bayer 04 will enter the knockout phase of the Europa League in Bergamo on Thursday. As expected, six-man Robert Andrich (knee irritation) was absent from Leverkusen’s travelling delegation for the departure to Italy.
Simon Rolfes is eagerly anticipating the first leg in Lombardy. “It will be a 50-50 game. It will be two tough, but also totally interesting games,” the sporting director expresses his anticipation.
Rolfes demands full concentration and fair toughness against Atalanta
Leverkusen have great respect for their opponents Atalanta Bergamo. “Atalanta have played successfully in the league and the Champions League in recent years. It’s important to be awake from the first minute, to be tactically clever, to also physically stand up to them,” Rolfes demands.
As expected, the Werkself will have to do without six-man Andrich, who is still suffering from a knee irritation. And his participation in the derby against 1. FC Köln on Sunday is also questionable.
Andrich’s use in the derby against Cologne also open – Bellarabi also has to wait and see
“We’ll have to wait and see,” said Rolfes defensively. Similarly with right winger Karim Bellarabi, who is fighting for his comeback after tearing a muscle fibre. “It’s possible,” says Rolfes with a view to Bellarabi and the derby, “he’s taking big steps forward. Let’s see if it’s enough for Sunday. “
