Bayer Leverkusen’s Kasper Hjulmand had plenty to be annoyed about after his side failed to finish of a fine performance against Arsenal.
The Champions League last 16 tie ultimately ended 1-1 after a late Kai Havertz penalty capped off an impressive performance from the home team.
Leverkusen’s opener from Robert Andrich came from a corner, something Arsenal have been famed for under Mikel Arteta.
And shortly after, Hjulmand was seen talking to the Gunners set piece coach.
Asked by the media what was said, he told foot.mundo and the media post-match: “I think there was a bit of a misunderstanding from my press conference yesterday.
“I was only talking about the way teams attack with set pieces — not specifically Arsenal. It’s about the rules.
“We do the same thing. All teams do it. We set offensive blocks, we use body contact to create space.
“My question was simply: is it legal according to the rules to body-check players and move them out of the way when the ball is not near them?
“So it’s the same for every team. We all do it.”
Hjumland puts the pressure on Arsenal
If Hjumland wasn’t done putting pressure on the set piece coach, he then aimed at Arsenal as a whole.
“I think there is a lot of pressure on Arsenal,” he commented.
“We can still produce another great performance and take that chance. We’re looking forward to it.”
Discussing one of Leverkusen’s best showings under his leadership, he added: “There are mixed emotions. I think we played quite a good game. Arsenal didn’t have many chances against our team.
“Sometimes we pressed high, sometimes we stayed very compact, but we were active and also quite good with the ball. Overall, it was a good performance against a top team.
“Of course we’re disappointed with the last scene — 1–0 would obviously have been much better than 1–1, but that’s how it is.
“I don’t really see a clear mistake from us in that moment. Overall it was a good performance and next week we go to London with hope and the opportunity to play our game.”
Was it a penalty?
Asked about Arsenal’s equalising penalty, he finished: “Yes, it’s probably more than questionable.
“Sometimes referees shouldn’t whistle first and then check with VAR. If they don’t whistle and then VAR checks, it has to be 100% clear to award a penalty.
“But if the referee whistles immediately, then VAR usually won’t overturn it unless it’s clearly wrong.
“For me personally, it wasn’t a penalty.”
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