Reactions: "Gregor kept us in the game" | OneFootball

Sebastian Kehl (in the mixed zone): "We produced a very mature performance, especially in the second period. The team has taken a huge step forwards and then you can see what qualities we have in the squad. We needed those wins and we needed to focus on treating every match as a final. And in that regard, I have to pay the team a compliment because they stuck at it today in these conditions, fought and gave it their all. When the third goal was scored, I had the feeling that Leverkusen collapsed a little. They were probably paying the price for the first half, in which they played with extreme intensity."

Niko Kovac (to DAZN): "We saw a super game in difficult conditions. Gregor (editor's note: Kobel) kept us in the game in the first half. We did better in the second half. The switch from 5-4-1 to 5-3-2 in the first half was already an improvement, and when Sabitzer came on we showed more composure in the game and controlled it. Top teams don't need many chances and top players score goals when they get the chances. I demand that we approach every game as if it were a Champions League match."

Gregor Kobel (in the mixed zone): "I'm super happy that I was able to help the team and that we were even able to go into half-time with a lead, as we didn't have too many chances up front. We were very clinical in attack. We played a good game in the second half. The pressure is still on us. Everyone expects us to win against Kiel. Opponents like that and games like that are almost the most difficult."

Waldemar Anton (to DAZN): "Due to yesterday's results, it was very, very important that we picked up three points. We suffered in the first half. We needed a bit of luck and had an outstanding goalkeeper. We were ice-cold in the second half – that's how you have to be here. We brought this on ourselves (editor: a reference to the situation in the table) and we also know that we don't have it in our own hands. We need a win on the last matchday and then we'll see what our rivals do. In the final phase of the season, we've shown a lot of what we were lacking beforehand."

Karim Adeyemi (in the mixed zone): "We're playing well, we're winning games – and that's the most important thing. Now we have to win next week. We're fifth, it looks like the Europa League. But of course we hope to win next week and still finish fourth. That's always been our objective."

Julian Brandt (to DAZN): „We were very lucky in the first half and saw a lot of Gregor Kobel. It was good for us that we made it 1-1 quickly after it went to 1-0. We didn't have many chances, but we took them and showed killer instincts. Sometimes you need that at the end of a season. We're picking up points quite nicely at the moment. We're trying to take our chances and end the season as smoothly as possible."