Bayer Leverkusen are drawing on a lot of self-confidence for the upcoming matches thanks to a united team performance. Coach Gerardo Seoane hopes that the energy generated by the win against Atletico will carry his eleven even further.
Bayer Leverkusen have mastered the first step out of the crisis: The Leverkusen team gained a lot of self-confidence on Tuesday evening with their second win in their ninth competitive match – and this against Atletico Madrid (2-0), who were named the best team in the group by Bayer coach Gerardo Seoane. “The energy level in the team was decisive. That connection between the players makes the difference,” the 43-year-old told the press conference.
Leverkusen benefit from Simeone’s change of tactics
His team did not appear like a team in crisis, but showed a cohesive team performance. The defence stood firm, even when the Colchoneros broke away from their defensive tactics after a good hour and became more active. Diego Simeone’s measure therefore played more into Bayer’s favour: “Atletico wanted to play more offensively and that gave us a lot of chances for switching moments,” Jonathan Tah told DAZN.
The strength of Jeremie Frimpong, who was initially on the bench for Odilon Kossounou, was particularly evident in these counterattacks: after being brought on, the outfielder made his way down the right side time and time again. The Dutchman’s preparation for the opening goal was emblematic of the will of all the players: the 21-year-old stayed on his feet despite Mario Hermoso’s use of his arm and thus made the late 1-0 possible. “Jerry attacked the depth with his speed again and again and also implemented the mixture between five and four well,” explained Seoane.
In addition to Frimpong, the coach also praised his team for not slumping after the missed chances and continuing to play to win. Especially the scene in the 49th minute, when Patrik Schick first hit the crossbar and then Adam Hlozek hit the post, reminded Tah of the past, which the Leverkusen team now wants to leave behind with this success. The start of the turnaround has been made and – the centre-back and his coach agree – gives “a lot of energy” for the coming tasks. But according to Seoane, this energy also came from the stands: “There was an energy in the stadium today that will hopefully carry us further in the coming days. “
