Leverkusen ready for hectic Bundesliga schedule
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand insists his side is all set for three Bundesliga fixtures in the space of a week.
Leverkusen hosts Mainz on Sunday (AEDT) before trips to Hamburg and Freiburg in the next seven days, which will be followed by a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Premier League leader Arsenal.
The Werkself is sixth in the German top-flight after a defeat to Union Berlin last time out saw it miss the chance to close in on the top four.
It was able to progress past Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League during the week, but Hjulmand was far from impressed with the performance in a goalless draw.
The Danish coach believes Leverkusen must improve in possession as it prepares for a crucial week.
"We have a very important week ahead of us with three Bundesliga games," Hjulmand said.
"We start against Mainz. We can expect a physical and ball-winning team doing very well under Urs Fischer.
"We want and need to take a step forward in our performance compared to the previous games.
"Above all, it's about finding our rhythm in possession. We haven't managed that so often recently, but it's very important for our game. We need to improve on that.
"In weeks like this with so many games in such a short space of time, you naturally need rotation, routines and regeneration. We know that, so there's no excuse. We are absolutely ready."
Mainz is 13th in the Bundesliga, just two points above St Pauli in the relegation play-off spot.
It drew 1-1 with Hamburg last time out, which came after a 4-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund.
