Trainer Dino Toppmöller analyzed his team’s 1:3 defeat against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, qualifying her as “deserved winner” for the opponent. According to him, the game was marked by a key moment when a free door from Grimaldo combined with a violation of Rasmus Kristensen. This last action unfortunately led to an undefined muscle injury for the Danish player, preventing him from participating in the next Champions League match against Galatasaray Istanbul. Toppmöller stressed Kristensen’s importance in the team and the pain that his absence represents, especially in the face of a team as strong as Leverkusen.

After the game, Toppmöller detailed the difficulties encountered by his team, noting a lack of decision-making and an excessive loss of balloons, allowing Leverkusen to create many dangerous opportunities. Although he recognized some control of the game and some good phases, he felt that the team did not manage to significantly threaten the opposing cage. He also pointed out that despite three successful kicks, Leverkusen’s victory was assured. Toppmöller insisted that his team has not been “clean enough” and has failed to realize its opportunities, especially in the last third of the game where decision-making is crucial.

The coach also mentioned aspects to be improved for the upcoming games, especially against more defensive opponents, where quick solutions in reduced spaces will be needed. The joint use of Michy Batshuayi and Elye Wahi at the cutting edge, with wings that have been too little dangerous, was also discussed. Toppmöller acknowledged that the team had tried many actions on the wings, but without real efficiency. He concluded by stressing that, despite these weaknesses, it was not the time to rush into the changes, and that the team would now focus on the crucial game against Galatasaray Istanbul, in the absence of Rasmus Kristensen.