Rolfes critical of Leverkusen’s first-half display in Copenhagen draw | OneFootball

PARKEN, COPENHAGEN (Bulinews): Bayer Leverkusen went into half-time trailing 1-0 in their Champions League opener against FC Copenhagen on Thursday, but ultimately came away with a point after a 2-2 draw.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the game, Bayer 04 managing director for sport Simon Rolfes criticised the team’s first-half display, but noted significant improvement after the break.

“We didn’t start well. We played a bit too slowly and our positioning was poor. We didn’t really get into the game, and Copenhagen were strong," Rolfes told Bulinews.com.

"The second half was better – there was more pressure, more drive going forward and more intensity, also thanks to the substitutions.”

After Leverkusen equalised to make it 1-1, Copenhagen quickly regained the lead, only for Die Werkself to hit back again and salvage a point.

“In the end, I think the team believed and gave everything to get the equaliser,” said Rolfes, who also stressed that taking all three points in Copenhagen is far from a given.

“Copenhagen are not easy to play against. They’re a good Danish side and well organised defensively. It’s not easy to create chances against them, the spaces don’t open up so easily,” he pointed out.