…MY DECISION

Last week I had a very good meeting with Simon and Fernando when I informed them of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen. I feel that this is the right place for me to develop as a coach. I have a good feeling as a young coach. I feel that my job is not over here. I want to help them, I want to help the team, I want to help the young players develop. And if I'm part of the process then I'm happy with that.

…OPPONENT

You could see the lads were happy to be together again. We have two crucial months coming up that starts with tomorrow's important game against Hoffenheim.

…LEVERKUSEN STORY CONTINUOUS

Once I had made the decision it was important to share the decision with everyone because I need to give them back the respect they have shown me. I am grateful to these people as well that they believe; the fans, my staff, the players. Now everything is clear and we have two months to give full gas and fight for something that could be great for this club.

...UNBEATEN LEVERKUSEN

Their streak is incredible. 38 competitive games without defeat says it all. We played well in the reverse fixture and had a chance to win. We allowed Leverkusen only nine shots at goal and scored two goals ourselves. But we will also need repeated spells of possession and then we can create chances for ourselves too.

##…SEASON OBJECTIVE

The objective is very clear: to play to our maximum and perform well consistently. We are of course looking at the table going into the final eight games. Sixth place is no longer in our own hands, so we want to reclaim seventh place. We're going to give that everything we've got.

...INJURY REPORT

The suspended John Anthony Brooks will be joined on the sidelines by Mergim Berisha and Marco John, who are both, however, on the right track, according to Matarazzo. Florian Grillitsch has a health issue but could still be an option for the match. Ozan Kabak is available again following his suspension. Grischa Prömel and Dennis Geiger have been able to complete almost all elements of team training over the last fortnight and are options for the squad again.