Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky let his anger about the embarrassing cup knockout. Bayer Leverkusen gave free rein to third-division promoted SV Elversberg in an angry speech, sports director Simon Rolfes announced a tough debate.
The frustration over the 3:4 defeat and above all the frighteningly poor performance led to a relentless reckoning with the sober Champions League participants. "We had a great preparation and think we're the best. And then we lose in Elversberg and everything vanishes into thin air," rumbled Hradecky.
Bayer keeper: "There was negative energy everywhere"
Once in motion, the 32-year-old followed up verbally. "We're busy with everything other than playing football. With the referee, the spectators, the pitch - there was negative energy everywhere. It looked terrible. You can't do anything with so many goals conceded," Hradecky complained and demanded: "Everyone has to Look in the mirror. I've said that a thousand times, but it doesn't seem like it's enough."
Sports director Rolfes was also shocked by the performance in front of 7,414 spectators, which was not at all suitable as an encouragement for the Bundesliga opener at runner-up Borussia Dortmund next Saturday. "Every individual has to be accused of the fact that a lot was missing to be successful. Of course it doesn't work that way. You won't win against any opponent like that - neither in the cup nor in the Bundesliga," said Rolfes of "Bild". -Newspaper.
Seoane wants to investigate the cause
The game should be worked up intensively together with coach Gerardo Seoane and the pros. "We'll find clear words for the team. It's important that the players understand that very quickly and get back to what we did very well at the end of last season," emphasized Rolfes.
Seoane struck a similar note. "We have to investigate the reasons why we weren't up to par physically and mentally," said the 43-year-old. "We will have to address that on day X you have to bring in a minimum level of certain virtues."
After all, none of the players tried to sugarcoat the game. "That was a catastrophic performance from us right from the start - both offensively and defensively. We were always a step too late, mentally not fast enough. It can't go on like this, we'll address that. Everyone's on board," said the midfielder Robert Andrich.
Bayer fans angry
The Leverkusen team felt ready for the start of the season after good preparation. But then nothing went with the favorite. Andrich now calls for a reaction in the game at BVB: "We have to think about the things that make us strong and not talk so much."
The Bayer supporters acknowledged the disgrace after the final whistle with loud expressions of displeasure. "It's legitimate for the fans to whistle," said Hradecky. Rather, he was annoyed by some teammates who quickly fled: "It pisses me off that some are already in the dressing room and can't stand the consequences." There is a great need for speech under the Bayer Cross.
