“We really weren’t good, to be honest”

Here’s what Jonas Hofmann had to say after last night’s German cup win and looking ahead to their clash with Bayern Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen required extra-time to sink DFB-Pokal opponents SC Paderborn last night. Jonas Hofmann reflected on what needs to improve before they face Bayern Munich.

“We really weren’t good, to be honest. It felt like we were a man down the whole time, even though from the 60th minute on we actually had a man more.

“We didn’t find good pressing moments and our counter-pressing wasn’t good. We created few chances because we simply didn’t get into the right situations to create anything dangerous.

“Probably every area [of our game needs to improve], because it’s against Bayern Munich. But I think the positive feeling [of victory] still outweighs everything.

“Even though we have some players who might have played in their first DFB-Pokal game, I hope they can understand that the cup has its own rules.

“You have to see it a bit differently. But that’s how it feels, at least. I’ve played quite a few DFB-Pokal rounds in my career, so I hope we can carry the good feeling into the Bundesliga.

“We only have two days in between, then we travel to Munich again, and have to travel home tonight. That’s exhausting enough,” the veteran midfielder explained.