Xabi Alonso confirms Lukas Hradecky will start in goal for Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Pokal final

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal final against Kaiserslautern, Xabi Alonso confirmed Lukas Hradecky will start in goal for Die Werkself.

Alonso opened the press conference with this announcement: “Lukas will play tomorrow. Both goalkeepers were ready and played very well this season. Matej also did very well.”. On starting in the Pokal final, Hradecky said: “I got the information a few days ago. I was positively surprised. Matej Kovar also played a great season. I have top colleagues in him and Lombo.”

Kovar has been Leverkusen’s cup goalkeeper all season starting every game in the Europa League and DFB-Pokal, bar one against Molde in the group stages. The 24-year-old was not even bad in Leverkusen’s Europa League final loss on Wednesday against Atalanta, he was predominantly let down by his defence in Dublin. 

Club captain, Hradecky will now get his chance to play in the Pokal final against Kaiserslautern having played a key role in Leverkusen’s maiden Bundesliga title win. 

If Leverkusen win the Pokal they would have completed an unbeaten domestic season, which is still very impressive. The only issue is the loss in Dublin will likely weigh on their minds with the idea of what could have been if they turned up. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan