Christian Kofane says Leverkusen have prepared well and will give everything against Arsenal at the BayArena.
Christian Kofane says Bayer Leverkusen believe they are prepared for their Champions League meeting with Arsenal, even as the German side acknowledge the scale of the challenge awaiting them at the BayArena.
Leverkusen come into the round of 16 first leg on the back of a steady run in Europe, unbeaten in their last three matches with two wins and a draw while keeping a clean sheet in each game.
Arsenal arrive in Germany with the competition’s most commanding records this season. Mikel Arteta’s side have won all eight of their matches in the tournament so far and remain the only team yet to fall behind in a game, spending 62 per cent of their match time in front and the remainder level.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Leverkusen forward Kofane, who has been directly involved in four goals across the club’s last three league games with two goals and two assists, insisted the squad believe they are ready for the challenge.
He said Arsenal are “a very big team. But we have trained well and are ready. We’ll be brave and give our all so we don’t have to blame ourselves in the end and make our fans happy.”
The 19-year-old also reflected on his own ambitions and the influence of his childhood idol.
“As a child, I naturally dreamed of becoming a professional footballer,” he said as he reflected on the fact that less than a year ago he was still playing in Cameroon. “I’ve already achieved that. Now, of course, I’m striving for lots of appearances, goals and titles – with my club and with the national team.”
Asked about the player who inspired him growing up, he added: “Samuel Eto’o, of course. He’s my big idol – and it’s his birthday today. Congratulations to him! He made a lot of things possible for me and showed me that anything is possible if you want it and work hard.”
Leverkusen are also set to welcome Patrik Schick back into the squad after the striker missed the last two matches through injury, with Kofane making clear he sees the experienced forward as a source of guidance rather than a rival for his place.
“I don’t see him as a competitor,” he said. “I can take a lot from his experience, he helps me a lot in everyday life and on the pitch. I’m delighted to be working with such a successful striker.”