29 August 2026
Speaking to Sky Germany after the final whistle, Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken gave a harsh verdict on his side’s display after Saturday’s surprise 3-2 Bundesliga loss away to SV Elversberg. A great deal could rightly be said about the historic showing produced by the Bundesliga newcomers. From Leverkusen’s point of view, however, Flekken viewed the game very differently.
Die Werkself were 2-0 behind within the opening nine minutes and, after coming out for the second half, conceded a third goal almost straightaway. Their late fightback eventually was not enough. On both occasions, newly named Leverkusen captain Edmond Tapsoba failed to impress. It is difficult not to see similarities with Leverkusen’s troubled start to last season.
Leverkusen are once again going through a major squad reshuffle. Last year, head coach Erik ten Hag was dismissed after only two Bundesliga matchdays. The player ten Hag had only recently chosen as captain – German midfielder Robert Andrich – was then moved out of the leadership group not long after the exit of the man who had given him the armband.
Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez adopted a more restrained tone after the defeat, praising Elversberg for an “incredible game” and maintaining that his players had not underestimated their opponents.
Flekken, however, was far less lenient.
“As a whole team, we have to ask ourselves 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 start the first half like that, go 2-0 down very early, and then do the same again in the second half, then quite a lot is missing,” Flekken added. “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 carry on like this.”
