Xhaka and Hofmann after latest win: "We have exceptional potential, talent, and experience."
Despite the fact that it was definitely their most underwhelming performance of the season, new Leverkusen summer additions Granit Xhaka and Jonas Hofmann conveyed sky-high morale in their respective post-match interviews.
A 3-0 scoreline in their team's latest victory was certainly flattering, but star Leverkusen performers Granit Xhaka and Jonas Hofmann made clear that they felt the Saturday victory that kept their team undefeated remained deserved. Both players - part of a blockbuster summer transfer window engineered by the Bayer front office to help the team contend for the title - praised the overall work of the squad in a surprisingly tough test against last-placed FSV Mainz 05.
"It certainly wasn't as spectacular as the last five Bundesliga games, but we shouldn't care," Xhaka told the Sky mics afterwards, "We played a good game, not a spectacular one, and took home all three points. We work hard and focused every day. That's why it's not a surprise to me."
Leverkusen looked rather limp for the first time this season against Bo Svensson's Rheinhessen. Choppy play and numerous passing errors persisted during attack charges. Mainz were able to hold their own in the midfield duels. As has sometimes been the case more than trainer Xabi Alonso might like over the course of the season, set-piece defending often wasn't at its best.
Hofmann still declared himself satisfied.
"We took on Mainz's game," the German international noted in his own interview, "We remained alert on the dead-ball situations and fought hard for loose balls. Of course, we were lucky to take the lead in the first half. In the second half, we did it confidently and finished at the right time."
"We just have to do our job well week in and week out," Hofmann concluded, "That's what makes us strong. A lot is possible this season if we adjust well to the opponent. We have an exceptional amount of potential, talent, and experience."