DPT - Post Match Reactions - Round 5

[JB@Norwich]

DPT - Post Match Reactions - Round 5

[Tim@Leeds]

Southampton 3 - 4 Leeds United

This was without doubt a sub par performance l, certainly defensively and in midfield anyway. We really didn’t play all that well and scraped the win but it’s debatable that we even deserved the win.
We countered their A with our pussy C tactic and I felt that alone should have been enough to be comfortable but the saints proved there are no east games in Europe.
That’s us and Juve through to the knockouts. 3 shockingly bad seasons have meant we are in the competition when we shouldn’t be. We are without doubt a big fish in this comp and there to be shot at so it is very satisfying we have never under achieved in it. We are in the mix and we will get more gate money etc each game we play so it’s all good.
Free shot against Juve in the final game, not fussed wether we finish 1st or 2nd in the group so will give dembele full game to to boost his minutes and hopefully get some good abs

[AB@Juventus]

Bayer Leverkusen 1 - 2 Juventus

After losing our first game in this group, we've gone on to win the next 4 to book our place in the last 8. We knew that Leverkusen would likely throw caution to the wind with their situation in the group and we knew that if we avoided defeat we were all but through so opted for C (I hope Derek is okay with that)

After an early goal line clearance from the hosts, we opened the scoring on 17 minutes through A_Isak who is in the form of his life atm.
We headed into the break a goal to the good but we knew a second would be needed with Leverkusen playing such an attacking lineup and shortly after the restart, C_DeKetelaere doubled our lead to put the game well in our hands.

Leverkusen switched to C at this point for a short time before going back to A and we looked to see the game our and despite a 93rd minute goal from the hosts (Their first goal vs us in 3 games so far this season while we've scored 9 now) we took all 3 points back to Italy.

Statistically we were the better team, but maybe Leverkusen will feel hard done by that they didn't get anything from the game.

Good game Jhop.

Now we head to Leeds in the final game knowing that if we avoid defeat, we'll top the group....However, do we want that? It could be more beneficial for us to lose that game in order to get a more favourable draw in the knockouts....decisions, decisions.

[JasonH@Wolfsburg]

Leverkusen 1-2 Juventus

What an absolute disgrace of a performance from my team today! It's utterly infuriating to see my players lacking focus, determination, and any semblance of tactical discipline on the field. We had the chance to prove ourselves against a strong opponent like Juventus, but instead, we rolled over like spineless amateurs.

Our defense was an absolute shambles, allowing A_Isak to score that opening goal as if he was taking a stroll in the park. And don't even get me started on our so-called midfield. Our midfielders seemed more interested in playing Sunday league football than actually contributing to our team's efforts. The way they allowed F_Wirtz to set up that second goal was nothing short of pathetic.

I can't believe the lack of fight from our players. They looked like they didn't even care about the result, as if they were just going through the motions. Our forwards had numerous chances, but their shots went all over the place. It's as if they forgot how to put the ball in the back of the net.

We conceded those goals and barely managed to salvage one in injury time? It's an absolute disgrace! I've spent hours preparing for this match, analyzing the opponents, working on strategies, and this is the performance I get? Unacceptable!

There's no excuse for such a lackluster display. I expect every player to be angry at themselves for letting the fans down. Our supporters deserve better than this garbage. It's time for some serious soul-searching, because if this is the level of commitment my players are willing to give, then we're in for a season of disappointment.

I'll be having some strong words with the players in the coming days. They better shape up quickly, or there will be consequences. This type of performance is not what Bayer Leverkusen stands for, and it's certainly not what I stand for as a manager. Heads need to roll, changes need to be made, and this level of mediocrity will not be tolerated any longer!