Holzhauser praises impact by duo

Bayer Leverkusen executive Wolfgang Holzhauser has hailed the contributions of manager Jupp Heynckes and defender Sami Hyypia, and has stated that their arrival was down to a stroke of ‘good fortune’.

Heynckes who replaced Bruno Labbadia at the BayArena in the summer and has lead Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga with the side yet to be beaten in their opening 12 games.

However, Holzhauser believes the real test will come when the club face Bavarian giants Bayern Munich when the league returns to action from international duty on 22nd November.

Holzhauser was quick to criticise former boss Labbadia, who slammed the club after his departure, but heaped praise on Heynckes and Hyypia citing their arrival as the reason for the their impressive defensive record. Leverkusen have conceded only eight goals in the league.

“Last season I claimed Bruno Labbadia had been just the right manager this club could appoint, well, I would like to retract those words,” he told Rheinische Post.

“But who, in person, is able to make true predictions? There was some atmosphere at the club in the end, but we are happy now as they are pieces of good fortune for this club.

“They have led us to be a lot tighter at the back and act more solid in defence.”
Different stages

Holzhauser continued by highlighting how important the clash with Bayern in ten days’ time will be: “I regard the Bundesliga schedule like the stages of the Tour de France.

“We have gone beyond some big stages right now, but the icing on the cake remains Bayern Munich. Playing them is almost the biggest stage of them all.

“Maybe we could make a big show already next match. We have not won against Bayern for 20 years in a row. This could well come to an end.”