Hradecky: ''No pressure, just excitement''

Lukas, a few weeks ago Leverkusen and Hoffenheim were direct rivals, now you are third, while TSG are in eighth place. The situation is completely different now.

"But we know exactly what to expect on Saturday. It will be a really difficult task. Hoffenheim have certainly not been on the best of runs lately in terms of results, but they've also had to deal with a lot of injuries and absences. In the meantime, we have managed to win the important games more often than not. As far as I see it, both teams are about the same level. It will therefore be a close game on Saturday.

Just like the return fixture in Leverkusen, which ended 2-2…

"Yes, we ended up throwing away a 2-0 lead. That was incredibly frustrating, but TSG were in good form at the time, while we were going through a rough patch. Thank God it's different now."

How do you view the current situation in the fight for Europe?

"We've done well recently, we've done our job and, in my opinion, we deserve to be up there two matchdays before the end of the season. But TSG also still have a small chance of qualifying for Europe and will perform accordingly. We know it will be a difficult game."

How much pressure is on you to defend your Champions League place now?

"Of course we want to do everything in our power to secure Champions League qualification on Saturday, and at the same time avoid a deciding game against Sport-Club Freiburg on Matchday 34. But pressure? No, it's a privilege to be able to compete for the Champions League places. For me, there's no pressure, just excitement.''

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