Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s coach, Kasper Hjulmand, is defending his team’s progress amidst criticism of their recent form, as they prepare to face 1. FC Köln.
Hjulmand insists that Bayer 04 has made strides, despite the team sitting in sixth place. They are four points adrift of a Champions League spot. Their form in the Rückrunde sees them in eighth place, behind Mainz and Augsburg. This is a far cry from their form after the Hinrunde when they were third.
Hjulmand Argues Data Backs Leverkusen’s Improvement
Hjulmand is facing accusations that the team has not developed under his leadership. The coach strongly disagrees. Speaking at the press conference before the 1. FC Köln match, Hjulmand said, “I find it very, very wrong. You are all very, very intelligent journalists. We can also see the data behind the results – and we have a development.”
When questioned about the data he is using to support his claims, Hjulmand switched to English. He often does this when discussing complex issues. “I don’t want to talk too much about it because it sounds like I’m defending it, but there’s a lot more behind every result, behind every season,” Hjulmand stated.
Hjulmand, who was appointed after the second matchday, explained his philosophy. “A coach always tries to make his team create more chances than they allow. No matter what philosophy you follow, the goal is always to create more chances than the opponent,” he said. He added, “And if you look at this difference over all the games, we have lost very, very few games.”
Leverkusen Aim to Improve Ahead of Köln Derby
Hjulmand believes the team has come a long way since his arrival. “I think the game development – Vincent (Kompany, who supported Hjulmand after the cup semi-final, editor’s note) also said that – from our first meeting until now is enormous. We did it. Sometimes luck or small details decide that we don’t win like against Augsburg. But that’s not because we’re not playing a good game or not making sure we create significantly more chances than the opponent,” Hjulmand argued.
He added, “In many games we did very well.”
Bayer 04 will be hoping to turn their improved performances into points when they face 1. FC Köln.