Xhaka, Andrich, and Schick speak on Bayer's "refuse-to-lose" mentality following UEL win
Following last night's emotionally charged comeback victory in the Europa League, Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich, and Patrik Schick spoke on the astounding ability of Leverkusen to refuse to lose this season. The German league leaders remain undefeated in 37 combined league, cup, and UEL fixtures.
A blitz-brace from Schick helped die Werkself advance to the UEL quarterfinals with a 3-2 victory over Azerbaijani side Qarabaq. Schick's goals counted as the 19th and 20th time Leverkusen scored past the 80th minute in all 37 competitions this year.
A blitz-brace from Schick helped die Werkself advance to the UEL quarterfinals with a 3-2 victory over Azerbaijani side Qarabaq. Schick's goals counted as the 19th and 20th time Leverkusen scored past the 80th minute in all 37 competitions this year.
| Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen |
Down 0-2 against Qarabag with just 18 minutes remaining in their UEL tie, Leverkusen replicated their comeback from the first leg last week. This time, subbed on striker Patrik Schick scored not one, but two late goals in second half injury time. The Czech international helped his team win the match advance to the quarters of the competition.
Schick noted the "incredible team spirit" when conducting his post-match interview with German broadcaster RTL. Teammates Robert Andrich and Granit Xhaka concurred. While both Andrich and Xhaka stressed that they would prefer it if the team didn't fall behind in the first place, the notion that the team possesses an almost bulletproof mentality shone through in their interviews.
"The fact that we came back and won 3-2 once again shows the morale of this team," midfield talisman told the RTL microphones afterwards, "As I've often said, the mentality here is incredible. Ordinarily, teams go down and say 'it's over'."
"Of course, it doesn't always have to be this way and we don't always want it to be like this," Andrich added, "But when it comes to pass, we sally forth and give it our all until the very end. That's how we get results like this."
