Jonas Hofmann on Leverkusen role: 'Of course, I'm not happy right now!'

Bayer Leverkusen defeated 1. FC Nürnberg 5-2 in the DFB-Pokal, with Jonas Hofmann making the most of his opportunity. The midfielder credited the birth of his second child for giving him a boost but admitted he remains unhappy with his current role in the team.

Jonas Hofmann for Leverkusen.

Photo: Pau Barrena / Getty Images.

Bayer Leverkusen secured a 5-2 victory over 1. FC Nürnberg in the DFB-Pokal, but Jonas Hofmann had more than just the result to celebrate. The midfielder also used the occasion to underline his desire for more playing time.

"They [Nürnberg] really made it difficult for us. In the second half, we were finally able to turn it up a notch and show our qualities going forward. We played much better in the second 45 minutes," Hofmann said.

The 33-year-old also revealed that becoming a father for the second time had given him a boost, pointing to his performances as evidence. However, he did not hide his frustration with his current situation as a rotation player at Leverkusen.

"Of course, the birth of my second child has given me a boost – my performances, for example scoring today, speak for themselves. But I can't decide how the coach selects the team. Of course, I'm not happy with the situation at the moment. I've been in this situation before, and back then I wasn't happy when I didn't play either. But I can't change that; the coach makes that decision. All I can do is keep showing what I can do, like I did today," he explained.

Hofmann only made his second starting XI appearance this season against Nürnberg and helped his team to a win with his goal in the 78th minute. In the other match he started in, against Kreta in the Euopa League, Hofmann scored two goals.