Bayer Leverkusen forward Kevin Volland discussed his side’s Europa League clash against Inter this evening and the Europa League in general in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInter1908 yesterday afternoon.

First, he discussed how the Bundesliga side are approaching the match.

“We’re optimistic, focused and hoping to win. It’s a knockout game, so we know that anything is possible.”

The 28-year-old German forward commented on what kind of match he expects.

“We expect a very close game. It will be very interesting, both teams have great qualities. I imagine that the fans all over the world will see something special.”

Volland spoke about how neither he nor his team are afraid of Inter.

“I think being afraid would be fatal and that’s important for both teams. I’m convinced that both us and Inter are not afraid of each other.

“What is needed is respect, nothing else. Apart from confidence in one’s own chances. We are convinced that we can beat Inter.”

He highlighted how he has respect for the entire Inter squad, rather than picking out a specific player.

“Inter is a top European team with many strengths. I said ‘team’. No player in the world can play by themselves. There are many players with extraordinary qualities, but the important thing is the team.

“We must respect the Nerazzurri as a whole and not reduce this squad to individual players.”

Finally, Volland discussed whether he thinks his side can win the Europa League this season.

“That’s why we started this competition. But to do it we have to beat Inter. At the moment I’m not thinking any further ahead. That’s the challenge we have to face now.”

The 28-year-old Volland, who is contracted to Bayer Leverkusen until the end of next season, has made 39 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 2932 minutes, playing mostly as a centre-forward.

In that time, he has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, including scoring against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.