Hyypia hails Leverkusen character

Bayer Leverkusen manager Sami Hyypia hailed his side’s commitment as they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2 on Saturday.

The Finn saw his side take a 2-0 lead into the half-time break, but two goals in as many minutes in the second half left them rocking.

But Sidney Sam, who had also netted in the first period, and Gonzalo Castro struck to preserve the BayArena outfit’s 100 per cent start to the season.

“We had quite long periods where we played just like we are able to, not only today but also in the two matches before,” Hyypia said.

“It’s very good that the team has taken steps forward. We had 10 bad minutes where we lost control of the match and (Borussia) Monchengladbach came back into it by making it 2-2.

“But the reaction of the team afterwards was very good.”

Stefan Kiessling opened the scoring from the penalty spot on Saturday, and afterwards Hyypia refused to be drawn on the striker not being selected for the German national team, despite top-scoring in the Bundesliga last term.

“As I’ve always said, Mr. (Joachim) Loew makes his own decisions and I don’t have to talk too much about it,” he said.

“We all always try to do our best. I think if I criticise my colleague here it would be very unfair.

“For me, it’s just important that Stefan Kiessling is playing well for Bayer Leverkusen and scoring goals.”