DFB-Pokal: Leverkusen experiences new DFB rule during minute of being shorthanded

Bayer Leverkusen experienced a new DFB regulation firsthand in their opening competitive match of the season, leading to a significant period playing with a numerical disadvantage. The incident occurred when Patrick Schick was substituted in the 65th minute but took longer than the stipulated ten seconds to leave the pitch.

As a result, new player Christian Kofane had to wait for over a minute, until the next game stoppage, to be substituted in. This delay meant Bayer Leverkusen played with ten men for an extended duration. The club's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, viewed the situation positively, stating, "I find it good that something like this happened. The players simply have to get used to the fact that they have to go a bit faster, run immediately or are clever enough to find the right sideline. Then that doesn't happen." He added that such occurrences are part of the evolution of football and that players and referees will adapt.

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I find it good that something like this happened. The players simply have to get used to the fact that they have to go a bit faster, run immediately or are clever enough to find the right sideline. Then that doesn't happen.

Despite the team successfully navigating the period without conceding, and even scoring shortly after to take a 3-0 lead, the new head coach, Carles Martínez, voiced his dissatisfaction. The Spanish coach complained loudly from the sidelines during the incident. "The players are running, and then it might be eleven seconds. I think we need to find a good balance between the intention of the rule and the practice," Martínez stated. He emphasized that players are human and require some time to exit the field, suggesting a need for a more balanced approach to the rule's implementation.

Rolfes acknowledged that while the rule might cause some inconvenience, it aims to increase the pace of the game, which is what fans desire. He predicted that the rule would become second nature to players and officials within months, rendering the current discussion obsolete. The DFB's consistent enforcement of this new regulation, even in early-round cup matches, aims to ensure its swift integration into the sport.

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The players are running, and then it might be eleven seconds. I think we need to find a good balance between the intention of the rule and the practice.