Leverkusen boss Carles Martinez demands more after Europa League win

Bayer Leverkusen manager Carles Martinez has challenged his side to keep improving their attacking output after a 4-0 victory over Polish champions Lech Poznan in the Europa League.

The result secured Leverkusen’s second win from two matches in the league phase and extended their winning run to four games in all competitions. Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot, while Malik Tillman and Ibrahim Maza were also on target.

Martinez was pleased with the way his team controlled the match and praised both the players who started and those who contributed from the bench.

“We managed the game well, attacked the spaces from left to right and looked for the things we had spoken about beforehand. We started well and finished well,” he said.

Lech Poznan did create chances, but Martinez regarded that as an expected part of the game and was satisfied with Leverkusen’s overall performance.

“The chances they had are normal; you have to accept them. This time, the penalties went our way.”

Schick had not been expected to play such a decisive role, but he was brought on in the 18th minute after an injury to Martin Terrier. Despite having little time to warm up, the Czech striker scored twice and took his total to eight goals in his first eight competitive appearances of the season.

Only Patrick Helmes in 2008-09 and Victor Boniface in 2023-24 had previously achieved the same record for Leverkusen.

Schick said his physical and mental condition had helped him make such a strong start to the campaign.

“I feel good, physically and mentally, and relaxed. I am training well, and all of that helps me score regularly,” he said.

“I want to give everything while I am in this form, and the team can benefit from it too.”

He also praised Leverkusen’s display, saying they had dominated from the opening stages, pressed effectively and created a large number of chances. The striker added that they must take that confidence into Sunday’s Bundesliga match against Freiburg.

Martinez said Schick’s professionalism was a key reason for his form, but explained that he had chosen to take him off to preserve his fitness for the weekend.

“He is an exemplary professional and is completely committed to the team,” the manager said.

“With his talent, we just have to attack well and find the spaces. If the ball reaches the penalty area, Patrik is already there, ready.”

Schick had wanted to stay on the pitch, but Martinez said managing his workload was important with another demanding fixture approaching.

“If we score three, I want four. And if we score four, I want five,” he said.

Leverkusen’s victory was tempered by concern over Terrier, who was injured while sprinting before being replaced by Schick.

“He is an incredible guy, and everyone loves him, not just because of who he is as a person but also because of his football,” Martinez said.

“He felt something at the back during a sprint. Hopefully, he will be out for the shortest time possible, because he deserves that.”