Bayer Leverkusen - Page 4 - TalkSoccer

**Oliver_Kahn** · 22-02-2007, 10:17 PM

Nice, great result for German football.

**Oliver_Kahn** · 23-02-2007, 01:50 PM

Bayer Leverkusen may have to do without the services of Karim Haggui in the upcoming clash against Bundesliga leaders Schalke 04.

The 22 year-old Tunisian international defender picked up an injury during Leverkusen's 0:0 draw with Blackburn Rovers in the UEFA Cup.

Following medical tests, Haggui has been diagnosed with a painful bruising of the foot. His particiaption in Sunday's game is rated as doubtful.

**Trim** · 23-02-2007, 04:28 PM

For some reason I can't remember this player..

**Oliver_Kahn** · 23-02-2007, 04:36 PM

I didn't see the game, can't comment on it

**Trim** · 23-02-2007, 07:26 PM

Bayer Leverkusen coach Michael Skibbe admits that his side were somewhat fortunate to qualify for the next round of the Uefa Cup after defending their 3-2 first-leg lead with a goalless draw at Blackburn.

Mark Hughes' team were in clear command at Ewood Park, but failed to break the deadlock against spirited and defiant opposition.

"Towards the end the pressure grew minute by minute and we could be happy that we managed to run down the clock with the score still 0-0," Skibbe told the German media.

"On several occasions we stood too deep and were not determined enough when we had the chance to go forward, but everyone gave his best in defence.

"Tactically we played very well and all the players did a great deal of running and fighting. That’s why we deserved to get a draw."

Leverkusen chairman Wolfgang Holzhauser was equally pleased with the outcome.

"It was a wonderful fight and the fact that we made it among the best 16 teams is good for our image. Especially because nobody expected this from us given our difficult domestic season,” said Holzhauser.

Leverkusen's next Uefa Cup opponents are French outfit Lens.

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**Trim** · 24-02-2007, 07:13 AM

In view of the current injury situation the support of the crowd has taken on crucial importance ahead of Sunday's clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Things have been better going into a Bundesliga game. Not only are Gerald Asamoah, Ralf Fährmann, Soren Larsen, Peter Lovenkrands, Christian Pander and Gustavo Varela all missing through injury, but Levan Kobiashvili is suspended after picking up five yellow cards and Halil Altintop, Mladen Krstajic and Lincoln are also in doubt.

So now, more than ever, the Royal Blues are counting on the support of the fans. Mirko Slomka is hoping for a similar reciprocal effect to the one that was achieved in the home win over Hertha BSC Berlin. "The euphoria in the stands had a lot to do with our performance on the pitch. By showing aggression in the tackle and with our fantastic fans behind us we want to put Leverkusen under pressure and then step up this pressure with incredible determination", the Schalke boss said.

Slomka, incidentally, was the first Schalke coach to beat Bayer Leverkusen at the VELTINS Arena, the Royal Blues winning 7-4 almost a year ago to the day. The previous matches between the two have also been high-scoring affairs (3-3, 0-1, 2-3 and 3-3). "Of course I watched Leverkusen's game in Blackburn", said Slomka, delighted that his support for Schalke's Bundesliga rivals in Europe had helped. "Leverkusen's defence was very stable. Much of that was down to the return of Juan, who got top marks from me for his performance."

Schalke are the best home team so far this season, a record they are keen to defend. "Kevin Kuranyi is in great form. He's sure to get support from his attacking team-mates because our aim has to be to put Leverkusen under pressure by footballing means." It merely remains to be seen whether the 4-3-3 system that has been so successful in recent weeks will work again on Sunday. "The players we currently have available are more than capable. And we'll have to wait and see how the final training session goes", said Slomka. One decision has been made, though: "Hamit Altintop will start", the Schalke boss explained, though he didn't say in which position.

Despite all the injury worries Slomka is still very satisfied: "We're the only team who can win the league without worrying about what our rivals do."

**Trim** · 24-02-2007, 07:13 AM

In view of the current injury situation the support of the crowd has taken on crucial importance ahead of Sunday's clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Things have been better going into a Bundesliga game. Not only are Gerald Asamoah, Ralf Fährmann, Soren Larsen, Peter Lovenkrands, Christian Pander and Gustavo Varela all missing through injury, but Levan Kobiashvili is suspended after picking up five yellow cards and Halil Altintop, Mladen Krstajic and Lincoln are also in doubt.

So now, more than ever, the Royal Blues are counting on the support of the fans. Mirko Slomka is hoping for a similar reciprocal effect to the one that was achieved in the home win over Hertha BSC Berlin. "The euphoria in the stands had a lot to do with our performance on the pitch. By showing aggression in the tackle and with our fantastic fans behind us we want to put Leverkusen under pressure and then step up this pressure with incredible determination", the Schalke boss said.

Slomka, incidentally, was the first Schalke coach to beat Bayer Leverkusen at the VELTINS Arena, the Royal Blues winning 7-4 almost a year ago to the day. The previous matches between the two have also been high-scoring affairs (3-3, 0-1, 2-3 and 3-3). "Of course I watched Leverkusen's game in Blackburn", said Slomka, delighted that his support for Schalke's Bundesliga rivals in Europe had helped. "Leverkusen's defence was very stable. Much of that was down to the return of Juan, who got top marks from me for his performance."

Schalke are the best home team so far this season, a record they are keen to defend. "Kevin Kuranyi is in great form. He's sure to get support from his attacking team-mates because our aim has to be to put Leverkusen under pressure by footballing means." It merely remains to be seen whether the 4-3-3 system that has been so successful in recent weeks will work again on Sunday. "The players we currently have available are more than capable. And we'll have to wait and see how the final training session goes", said Slomka. One decision has been made, though: "Hamit Altintop will start", the Schalke boss explained, though he didn't say in which position.

Despite all the injury worries Slomka is still very satisfied: "We're the only team who can win the league without worrying about what our rivals do."

**Oliver_Kahn** · 24-02-2007, 07:03 PM

Bundesliga leaders Schalke 04 have a squad headache ahead of Sunday's match against Leverkusen. The team line-up may be a last-minute affair.

Head Coach Mirko Slomka is already without the services of
Gerald Asamoah, Sören Larsen, Gustavo Varela and Peter Lövenkrands, who are sidelined indefinitely. Now, Slomka might have to do without Halil Altintop. The Turkish international had to break off Friday's training session because of knee pains

Twisted knee

On Thursday, Altintop twisted his knee, which prompted a medical check-up. "He has an enflamed fibula, which is why decided to play safe and have it checked" said Slomka.

Mladen Krstajic is also questionable for the Sunday match. He is suffering from a painful bruising on his foot. "Mladen could not train with the team yesterday or today. A training session on a bicycle-ergometer was all that was possible" explained the coach.

Hoping for Lincoln

There has been good news for Schalke in the guise of Lincoln. The Brazilian playmaker is back in training after recovering from a hardened muscle. "I hope that Lincoln will be able to play on Sunday" said Slomka.

A final team training on Saturday will determine if Halil Altintop, Mladen Krstajic and Lincoln can actually participate in Sunday' crucial encounter.

**Oliver_Kahn** · 24-02-2007, 07:03 PM

Bundesliga leaders Schalke 04 have a squad headache ahead of Sunday's match against Leverkusen. The team line-up may be a last-minute affair.

Head Coach Mirko Slomka is already without the services of
Gerald Asamoah, Sören Larsen, Gustavo Varela and Peter Lövenkrands, who are sidelined indefinitely. Now, Slomka might have to do without Halil Altintop. The Turkish international had to break off Friday's training session because of knee pains

Twisted knee

On Thursday, Altintop twisted his knee, which prompted a medical check-up. "He has an enflamed fibula, which is why decided to play safe and have it checked" said Slomka.

Mladen Krstajic is also questionable for the Sunday match. He is suffering from a painful bruising on his foot. "Mladen could not train with the team yesterday or today. A training session on a bicycle-ergometer was all that was possible" explained the coach.

Hoping for Lincoln

There has been good news for Schalke in the guise of Lincoln. The Brazilian playmaker is back in training after recovering from a hardened muscle. "I hope that Lincoln will be able to play on Sunday" said Slomka.

A final team training on Saturday will determine if Halil Altintop, Mladen Krstajic and Lincoln can actually participate in Sunday' crucial encounter.

**Trim** · 24-02-2007, 09:04 PM

Leverkusen, I'll be praying for yall.

**Trim** · 24-02-2007, 09:04 PM

Leverkusen, I'll be praying for yall.

**Oliver_Kahn** · 24-02-2007, 09:06 PM

I'm not sure whether Leverkusen can get anything out of this game.

Schalke usually dominate at home.

**Oliver_Kahn** · 24-02-2007, 09:06 PM

I'm not sure whether Leverkusen can get anything out of this game.

Schalke usually dominate at home.

**Trim** · 24-02-2007, 09:09 PM

^ Yes, but Leverkusen is coming from the 0-0 against Blackburn a.k.a. qualifications to next UEFA round, so maybe it gave them inspiration and motivation. I'm not saying they'll win, but they can manage a draw at least. If Wolfsburg could, why can't Leverkusen..

**Trim** · 24-02-2007, 09:09 PM

^ Yes, but Leverkusen is coming from the 0-0 against Blackburn a.k.a. qualifications to next UEFA round, so maybe it gave them inspiration and motivation. I'm not saying they'll win, but they can manage a draw at least. If Wolfsburg could, why can't Leverkusen..