Football|The supporters are satisfied with the Finnish captain.
Berlin
Finn Lukas Hradecky is the captain and number one goalkeeper of the German champion Bayer Leverkusen.
But what kind of role should the 34-year-old Finnish guard play next season? And how satisfied are Leverkusen fans with him?
Helsingin Sanomat found out in Berlin what Leverkusen fans think about Huuhkajie’s guards.
“Hradecký is a leading figure. A good goalkeeper and a suitable captain because he has been with the club for a long time. He knows how to observe the game skillfully and leads the team well from the back line. With his goal, he radiates peace”, a young Leverkusen fan Amelie evaluate.
Amelie, Antonia and Sana are convinced of what Hradecky is doing.
“Hradecký is a deserved captain. He hasn’t had dark moments this season like sometimes before, that has been important. In my opinion, he is among the top five players in the league. He is a pillar for the team”, Freddy tells.
“Hradecký has been strong this season. He has already saved the team a few times. He is one of the two good cleaners we have,” Achim in turn says.
Achim and Stefani think it’s great that the goalkeepers share the responsibility.
Leverkusen has indeed had two playing goalkeepers this season, who Xabi Alonso evaluated in public to “the same level”. Hradecký made saves in Bundesliga matches, as well as in the German Cup final on Sunday. 24 years old Matej Kovar handled the European League matches and other cup games.
“I think it’s really impressive how our goalkeepers have shared the responsibility, without there being any kind of acrimony, not a single bit of bad blood,” says Achim.
Arne, Jan and Fredy trust Hradecky.
You probably agree Andy.
“I appreciate how well Hradecký has supported the second keeper Kovar, it’s really great.”
In general, Leverkusen fans seem to like the way the matches were split between the two goalkeepers.
“Dividing tasks between goalkeepers has been a working idea. The plan is for Kovar to slowly get used to playing at a high level and one day inherit Hradecky. I think the coaches will look at the pre-season in the summer and then decide who will play which games next season. Kovar has still been a bit fumbling for me. Maybe he still lacks the experience to manage at the level of the Champions League”, Arne evaluate.
“Hradecký has played really well this season. The Champions League next season is the most important competition of all, and we want to go as far as possible in it. Personally, I would choose Hradecký to play in the Champions League. However, he is a bit further along in his development than Kovar”, Karlheinz says
Karlheinz and Gabi are of the opinion that Hradecky is the right man to carry Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Jannick on the other hand sees the situation a little differently.
“Hradecký is a great goalkeeper, but I think he has unfortunately fallen a little short of his best level this season. I think that next season Kovar will be driven in more and more and Hradecký will play less. You have to play better in the Champions League – it’s that simple.”
Alonso will decide who will play in which competition next season. And the fans trust him.
“Alonso has now been right 51 times, because 51 times we have remained undefeated. So I believe that he will solve the goalkeeping tasks next season as well,” states Fredy.
Whatever happened next season, this season has been a dream for Leverkusen supporters. They are also happy for the team and this long-time captain.
“We are so happy that after all these years Lukas got an award as captain, to raise the championship plate in the air. And maybe even a trophy. He’s had a really good season, strong execution,” the long-time Leverkusen fan Hikmet states.
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