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Bayer Leverkusen hierarchy expecting response before Atleti trip

1 month ago  Raphael   Sport News

Following Bayer Leverkusen's 6-2 Bundesliga defeat to Borussia Dortmund last Saturday, the introduction of new manager Tayfun Korkut has brought on expectations of a swift response as Bayer host in-from Werder Bremen on Friday evening before their Champions League trip to the Estadio Vicente Calderon. Roger Schmidt's Bay Arena sacking proved a product of inconsistent league performances, and with Leverkusen languishing 11 points from a Champions League play-off spot, Korkut's primary objective will be to secure European football next season, with Europa League the minimum expectation. But it typifies Leverkusen's ongoing misfortune that Bremen should visit the state of North Rhine-Westphalia following an upturn in results, claiming victory in their last three consecutive Bundesliga fixtures on spin, who were before spiralling into a six game winless streak.Plus, the Turkish coach will have one eye on the visit to Madrid for the second-leg of Leverkusen's Champions League last-16 tie next Wednesday, where Atletico Madrid hold a 4-2 advantage over their opponents going into the fixture. "Changing coach will show another strategy, but we will be prepared," said Alexander Nouri, the Werder Bremen coach, ahead of the game. Bremen are without captain Clemens Fritz on Friday and will likely miss the rest of their season, whilst Izet Hajrovic is ineligible through suspension.For Bayer Leverkusen, Jonathan Tah and Lars Bender are both doubts for this fixture, and talisman Hakan Calhanoglu continues to serve his four-month FIFA ban from football after a breach of contract.