Hjulmand desperate to win Leverkusen-Koln derby
Kasper Hjulmand believes his Bayer Leverkusen side’s upcoming derby against FC Koln can have big implications for its Bundesliga campaign.
Leverkusen fell to defeats against Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund in its past two league matches, but it also beat the latter in the DFB-Pokal before a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League.
However, its poor form in the league has left it in fourth and six points behind second-placed RB Leipzig, which it faces in its final league game before the winter break.
Another loss could see Leverkusen drop down to seventh by the end of the weekend, but Hjulmand wants to see his side make a strong finish to the calendar year.
“We know what we're up against with Koln,” he said.
“They may be a promoted team but they're very attacking and want to have a lot of possession. They also switch play quickly and try to get in behind the defence.
“The respect for them is there, but obviously we want to play our game and win. It's a derby and also very important for the table.
“A win would help us to travel to Leipzig next week and start the new year in a good position.”
Koln is eighth in the Bundesliga, but a poor run of form has cancelled out a good start from the newly promoted side.
It is winless in its past four league games and has won just twice in eight top-flight matches since the start of October.
