Kruse: 'No easy games in the Bundesliga'
Leverkusen - A combination of wayward finishing and superb goalkeeping from 1. FSV Mainz 05 goalkeeper Loris Karius thwarted Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Matchday 11 as die Werkself were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Kasper Hjulmand's charges.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
bundesliga.com
rounds up the players' reaction to Saturday's stalemate at the BayArena...
: We created a lot of chances, the first 20 minutes were not so good but we were coming into the game and that's normal. We've had a big schedule since the last national team break. We had the chances to win the game, I had one at the end there which got blocked as well. It's disappointing but it's been a good period for us so we'll move on. They [Hannover 96 - who Leverkusen face next on Matchday 12] seem to be playing pretty good football and they're picking up a lot of points, it's going to be a difficult game away from home and there's no easy game here in the Bundesliga. Hopefully everyone comes back from the national team fit and healthy and we'll look forward to this.
: We had so many chances to score, so it's pretty annoying for us only to have one point instead of three. We're still developing and always improving, and we've been putting in some good displays. Mainz are a good side but we need to start rewarding ourselves with goals. As for Hannover next up, they've got a good team and a good coach and perhaps it's a bit of a surprise they're so high in the league, but they've got plenty of quality, it'll be a tricky game.
: There are certain things in football that you just can't do anything about, and if you end up with only a point after a game like this you obviously can't be completely satisfied.
: We were lacking that little bit of resolve in the final third. [The 0-0 draw] is not good enough, that goes without saying.
: We weren't clinical enough in front of goal to get the three points, even though we had the chances. We had lots of shots blocked as well, perhaps after a tough week we just lacked that final touch of concentration in front of goal. We certainly could have taken the three points. Hannover 96 next up [after the international break] are a dangerous side. They're strong at home so it'll be a big game.
1. FSV Mainz 05
: The pressure grew on us as the game went on. They created a lot of chances, but that's when you're in your element as a goalkeeper. After the first few saves you gain in confidence and as the game went on we became more confident of getting something from the game.
: Defensively, we managed to do exactly what we'd set out to. Obviously we could have done more going forward, but that isn't that easy against Leverkusen because they don't give you much time on the ball.
: You always need a bit of luck against Leverkusen, but to get a point against a Champions League team isn't too bad at all. Bayer put us under a lot of pressure, but we defended very well.
