Leverkusen squad mentality under fire as Martinez calls on squad to "clear our heads"

After a recent dip in form, the signals some of the Bayer Leverkusen professionals are sending reportedly points towards attitude issues.

As reported by Kicker.de this afternoon, the body language in the camp does not suggest that of a “defiant response” to adversity.

Aleix García’s regret — rather than immediately pressing to recover — following his error that led to Marseille’s opening goal, is one example.

Additionally, Malik Tillman’s behavior at half-time is yet another concern for the Rhineland club when analyzing the teams mentality.

While the other five substitutes passed the ball among themselves, the American “stood on the sideline, juggling the ball five or six times.”

Thereafter, Tillman was pictured “resting his right foot on top of the ball to watch his teammates” rather than warm up himself.

“We need to clear our heads. We need to improve mentally," coach Carles Martinez said in today's press conference to face 1.FC Köln.

"Especially when it comes to sticking together and working as a team, to be competitive. We need to break this run of poor results.”