Hjulmand praises Leverkusen goalkeeper Flekken in DFB-Pokal defeat

Kasper Hjulmand was full of praise for Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken after their DFB-Pokal exit on Wednesday.

Leverkusen lost 2-0 to Bayern Munich at BayArena, with Harry Kane and Luis Diaz scoring the goals in the semi-final.

It is the second consecutive season where Leverkusen have lost in the last four of the competition, losing to second-tier Bielefeld in 2024-25.

It was a lacklustre performance from Hjulmand’s side at home; Leverkusen produced just 0.29 xG from four shots to Bayern’s 2.56 from 20 attempts.

However, Flekken made eight saves throughout the tie to give the Werkself a chance of causing an upset against the Bundesliga champions.

The Dutchman made great saves in the first half to deny Kane and Diaz, while he produced stellar stops to keep out Josip Stanisic and Kane again after the break.

Although Hjulmand was happier with Leverkusen’s second-half display, he admitted Flekken was the reason they were in the game for as long as they were.

“We were much livelier and played faster going forward. Nevertheless, our opponents made it very difficult for us,” said Hjulmand.

“Mark made several good saves that allowed us to stay in the game for a long time.”

Already focused on making things right pic.twitter.com/rtrjEJqyvy

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 23, 2026

Flekken added: “We found our game and our rhythm much better in the second half.

“If we manage to turn this second half into the whole game, then we’re capable of a lot.”

Leverkusen are sixth in the Bundesliga, fighting for a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Hjulmand revealed he hopes Bayern will win the competition this season, which would grant the German top-flight a fifth spot in UEFA’s premier competition.

“Yes, of course,” responded Hjulmand when asked if he wants Bayern to win the Champions League.

“Regardless of our situation, we always want German teams to do well and get coefficient points. I wish Bayern all the best in the Champions League.”