Bayer Leverkusen’s goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky is not pushing for a role in the two final matches of the Europa League on May 22 against Atalanta Bergamo or in the DFB-Pokal three days later against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The 34-year-old captain stated, „I will not influence the decision on playing in any of the finals. It is the coach’s decision, and Matej has earned it.“ While Hradecky serves as the first-choice goalkeeper in the Bundesliga, the younger Matej Kovar has been the preferred choice by coach Xabi Alonso in all European cup competitions and national cup matches.
Regardless of his participation in the finals, Hradecky will receive the championship shield as Bayer’s captain on Saturday. With eyes set on a possible triple and the opportunity to become the first German champion without a season defeat by securing at least a draw in the last league match against Augsburg on Saturday, Hradecky remains focused on the upcoming challenges. He is unsure whether he will accept the shield alone or possibly include one of his vice-captains. Expressing hope for multiple trophies, he mentioned, „Hopefully, we will bring home more than one cup, allowing the other captains to share in the celebration.“
