Kevin Volland: "Bayer Leverkusen had nothing to lose against Borussia Dortmund"
Throwing caution to the wind was key to Bayer Leverkusen's 4-3 barnstorming win at home to Borussia Dortmund, according to two-goal hero Kevin Volland.
Volland broke the deadlock and levelled the scores at 2-2 at the BayArena, but Leverkusen trailed 3-2 going into the final 10 minutes before two goals in as many minutes from substitute Leon Bailey and defensive stalwart Lars Bender completed a thrilling comeback.
The dramatic result enabled Bayer to close the gap on the top four to two points, and Volland - on a team-leading nine Bundesliga goals and six assists for the campaign - says the nature of the win will only fuel Die Werkself's ambitions in the months ahead...
Question: How do you feel after such a spectacular win?
Kevin Volland: (Laughs) "A bit knackered, but it's starting to sink in. We showed real commitment, especially in the second half. We defended from the front, even at 3-2 down. It's not easy when you're chasing the game against Dortmund. We were brave, and deserved to win. We didn't stop, and were rewarded."
Question: Was it one of the most dramatic Bundesliga games you've been involved in?
Volland: "Against that calibre of opposition, for sure. And for once it went our way. We've played out some real spectacles against teams like Dortmund and Bayern, where we've fought back but lost by a bigger margin, despite playing well. Today we showed grit and can be happy we were able to turn the game."
Question: Kai Havertz struck the woodwork moments before Dortmund took a 3-2 lead. Did you think that was it for you at that point?
Volland: "That was tough to watch. There have been games where we've been broken by situations like that, but not this time. Sven Bender, Nadiem Amiri and the full-backs - they threw everything at Dortmund. Sometimes they were higher up the pitch than I was - it was great to see!"
Question: What was different compared to those times when Bayer haven't been able to deliver a response?
Volland: "We had nothing to lose. What's the worst that could happen? They get in behind us and score on the counter. We just played without fear. We tried to turn the game without thinking about the consequences - that was key. To do it in the space of two minutes is an awesome feeling."
Question: Have you ever seen Lars Bender leap so high as he did for the winning goals?
Volland: "Perhaps on a basketball court (laughs). No, in all seriousness, he was sensational today. You could see what a release the goal was for him. It's pure emotion. You need guys like that in the team."
Question: How good were Lars Bender and Nadiem Amiri, considering they both had to play out of position in defensive midfield because of injuries to other players?
Volland: "They played with real passion, they were everywhere - particularly in the first half. Sven Bender moved into midfield in the second half, too - it's very demanding. When Dortmund overload the midfield, it's very difficult for our two No.6s to influence the game. We did a good job, though. Our commitment paid off."
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Question: Other than the Havertz miss, Leverkusen were clinical in front of goal...
Volland: "It was pretty clear we'd get chances, given the kind of game it was. We also know what's been said about us, but we didn't let that bother us. We just tried to do better, and that's what we did."
Question: Was it the kind of win the fans needed to see?
Volland: "There's been a bit of unrest, but we've still won four of our last five matches. We're right up there in the table, but not every home game is going to be a spectacle. It's difficult sometimes against the more defensively minded teams. What's important is that we all pull together."
Question: What can you take from a game like this?
Volland: "You can take a lot, especially given the morale we showed. It gives you confidence ahead of some difficult games when we'll be playing in midweek and at the weekend. We need to be strong, but even when you're up against it you can draw on performances like the one against Dortmund. You have it in your head that you have the quality to turn a game like that in two minutes."
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