Lukas, congratulations on reaching the DFB Cup semi-finals. What's your view of the game?
We didn't play well in the first half and we didn't apply enough pressure. We wanted to show what we could do in the second half and we played better football. That was working before the sending off. After the two yellow cards for the Union player, it was easier for us to get behind their defence. That meant we could turn the game round.
Frankfurt also come to the BayArena boosted by the win against Bremen. How do you think you need to play to win at home?
In lots of games over the past few weeks, we've learned you have to give your all to get a result. Eintracht aren't doing so well in the league at the moment but that doesn't make them any less dangerous. They’ve produced some great performances in the Europa League. It will be a tough game and they will definitely want to beat us.
You were in goal for Eintracht for three years. Is this game always special for you?
Of course, and it will always be like that. It's good to see how Eintracht have got on since I left. They're playing good football and their current position in the table doesn't reflect the quality of the team. I'm proud of my three years at Frankfurt and the club will always have a place in my heart.
Are you still in contact with anybody at Frankfurt?
Yes, we write to each other from time to time. For example, the new goalkeeping coach Jan Zimmerman is a very good friend of mine and there are also a couple of guys from the coaching staff. There's still very good contact.
Playing in three competitions carries on for you, and after the game against Frankfurt there is the Europa League clash in Glasgow. What will be most important in the next few weeks?
There are lots of important games coming up and there's not a lot of time to recover. We can't afford to ease off now, quite the contrary: We have to be positive and should enjoy playing so many games.
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
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On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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