Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri wants to secure at least the Europa League consolation prize with his team after the Champions League defeat.
“First of all, we’re happy that something is still at stake. Of course we’re disappointed that we didn’t make any progress, but now our full focus is on the Europa League,” said the 26-year-old on club TV of the Bundesliga soccer club.
Leverkusen meets FC Brugge in the last group game of the premier class this Tuesday. While the opponent is already in the round of 16, Bayer 04 can only finish third and secure a place in the second round of the Europa League.
However, the Rhinelanders are dependent on the help of FC Porto for this. If Atlético Madrid wins the parallel game with the Portuguese, Leverkusen would be in last place of the group. Only if Bayer 04 score more points than Atlético in the game from 18.45 (DAZN) would the Werkself hibernate internationally. “We’ll just do our job, go full throttle, win, and then we hope Porto win against Atlético too,” said Amiri.
After a decent performance last week in the 2-2 draw in Madrid, Leverkusen lost 2-0 at RB Leipzig on Saturday and slipped down to the relegation place in the Bundesliga. On the offensive, the team of coach Xabi Alonso presented itself harmless. “We have to create a lot more movement, hold the ball better and then we’ll get our chances,” said Amiri, looking ahead to the game against Brugge.
