Bayer Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken blasts team mentality after shock Elversberg defeat

Bayer Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken blasts team mentality after shock Elversberg defeat Speaking to Sky Germany after full time, Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken delivered a scathing assessment of his team’s performance following Saturday’s shock 3-2 Bundesliga defeat away at SV Elversberg. Much could justifiably be said for the historic performance of the Bundesliga newcomers. From the Leverkusen perspective, however, Flekken saw matters rather differently. The Werkself found themselves 2-0 down inside nine minutes and emerged from the halftime break only to concede a third goal almost immediately. A late comeback ultimately proved insufficient. In both cases, newly appointed Leverkusen captain Edmond Tapsoba did not cut a fine figure. One cannot help but draw parallels to Leverkusen’s problematic start last season. Leverkusen once again find themselves in the midst of a major personnel upheaval. Last year, head coach Erik ten Hag found himself sacked after just two Bundesliga matchdays. The man ten Hag had only recently tapped to serve as captain – German midfielder Robert Andrich – ended up getting pushed out of the team leadership circle shortly after the departure of the man who handed him the armband. Leverkusen trainer Carles Martinez struck a more measured tone after the defeat, crediting Elversberg with an “incredible game” and insisting his players had not underestimated their opponents. Flekken was significantly less forgiving. Flekken: “A lot was missing today” “As an entire team, we have to question how we started both halves,” Flekken told Sky after the match. “With the mentality and attitude we showed, we can’t win a game. A lot was missing today. Mental capacity was missing. Energy was missing. Understanding of the game was missing. “If you already start the first half like that, go 2-0 down very early, and then repeat it again in the second half, then quite a lot is missing,” Flekken continued. “I don’t want to throw the whole team under the bus. It’s still a long season. But it can’t and mustn’t continue like this.” GGFN  |  Peter Weis