Ole Werner praised his team's performance against the champions (Photo: WERDER.DE).

With an extremely strong performance, SV Werder played on equal terms with champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen for long periods of the match. With strong morale, the Green-Whites managed to wrest a 2-2 draw from the Werkself. WERDER.DE summarizes the comments from head coach Ole Werner and his players about the past 90 minutes.

Head coach Ole Werner: “It speaks for the whole game that we all did things together.” We defended very, very well and didn’t allow anything very clear. In addition, we played really good football and, as we had planned, we repeatedly had our periods of possession. We are happy with the performance and the result. With the first scene we brought the stadium in, today it was a togetherness. Together we have rewarded ourselves for what we have invested.”

Marco Friedl: “Apart from the phase after the 1:2, where we were lucky that Wirtz didn’t score the third goal, we played a good game for long stretches.” We had a good match plan and made it very difficult for Leverkusen. We are grippy and bilious. We had a lot of chances to score and we deserved to get the point here too. We want to take the next step and develop further, we say that again and again as a team. If we keep pushing for the equalizer, score the goal, then go behind again and then come back again, that speaks for the team and is therefore a huge compliment. It was an act of will.”

Mitchell Weiser: “We did well for 90 minutes, but were punished by their quality.” I don't know if they had another chance in the first half – ours were definitely better. We stuck with it well, even after being behind for the second time. We always believed in it and I think we deserved a point. We were tougher on the pitch and better with the ball than last season.”

Marvin Ducksch: “A really great game from us. We put up a real fight against a top team for 90 minutes and had the clearer chances to score. In the end, we are happy to take the point with us. We are all very happy and so we can go into the next games. I saw a few games in the Bundesliga today where goals were scored from distance and I tried that today too.”

Michael Zetterer: “Based on how the game went, we have to be happy with one point, even if that sounds strange when the German champions are guests. We showed morale and came back from behind twice. As a result, we deservedly took a point.”

Felix Agu: “I'm happy with the point. The own goal was unfortunate for me. We played our game and defended well. I don’t know what the statistics say, but we felt like we had a better chance.”