Berlin (Germany), Oct 20 (NationPress) After a period of sleepless nights, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Simon Rolfes has finally found his peace again. With the UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) looming on Tuesday night, Rolfes reflected on the daunting task of revitalizing the club during the summer, a challenge that kept him awake for weeks.

He humorously described those days as a time of "getting to know every inch of the ceiling above my bed". Although he feels things have settled now, the upheaval from the wild weeks of the 2024 German champions has undoubtedly taken its toll.

Rolfes faced significant challenges this summer, including the departure of coaching icon Xabi Alonso, the dismissal of his successor Erik ten Hag after just two months, and the subsequent hiring of former Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand.

However, the chaos appears to be behind them, even as the newly restructured, youthful squad continues to find its rhythm. With three consecutive league victories, Rolfes believes the team is back on a hopeful trajectory.

He described the search for a suitable coach following a successful era—marked by a national title and a cup win—as the biggest challenge. The upcoming match against PSG is viewed as a significant test. "We are facing a top team, probably the best in Europe right now," Rolfes stated, referring to the challenge as a valuable opportunity for growth.

While expectations may be tempered against the 2025 Champions League champions, Rolfes is concentrating on gradual development for his team.

After bringing in 15 new players, Coach Hjulmand expressed optimism about forming a cohesive unit, aiming to compete for the national title in the near future.

Rolfes considers the match against PSG a chance for learning and a stress test for the team's resilience. "It will show how much frustration tolerance we possess," he remarked, adding, "We are back in a fighting spirit and know hard work is essential for success."

With a squad featuring numerous young talents, Rolfes believes the club has laid the groundwork for a bright future, with the atmosphere shifting to one of optimism following recent turmoil.

Despite significant transfer income, including the sale of midfielder Florian Wirtz to Liverpool, Rolfes emphasized, "Building a new team isn't merely about buying; it's about careful creation."

This rebuilding phase has also allowed players like Alejandro Grimaldo to shine. Once overshadowed by Wirtz and Granit Xhaka, the 30-year-old full-back is now emerging as an inspirational figure for Leverkusen.

Though PSG remains the favorite, Grimaldo's impressive record of four goals and one assist in seven matches has certainly contributed to Simon Rolfes' improved sleep.