Kevin, you've been in Leipzig for three months. How do you assess the start of the season for RB?
Kevin Kampl: I think we've had a great start to the season. We didn't know how it would work out with playing in the different competitions but we've mastered the challenges very well so far. We're second in the table and we managed to win at Dortmund, which really is a big achievement. We're on the right track.
You were with the Werkself for the pre-season and the first two league matches. How do you rate Bayer 04 – how closely do you follow what's happening at Leverkusen now?
Kampl: Of course, I follow what's happening at Bayer Leverkusen; I have a lot to thank the club for and I wore the 04 shirt for 14 years. I think the team has rediscovered the old form and the quality is definitely there. I'm convinced they'll have a good season – Bayer 04 are definitely better than the ninth place they currently occupy.
Are you looking forward to meeting your former team-mates?
Kampl: Indeed, I'm looking forward to meeting them and many other people. As I said, I was part of this club for so long that I know nearly all the people who work there, including those who perhaps aren't in the immediate circle of the team
Who do you have most contact with?
Kampl: Karim Bellarabi.
It looks to us like you have a more defensive role at Leipzig then you did with the Werkself. Does that suit you?
Kampl: I can and I like playing in different positions in midfield and I try to do my best for the team. There's a different approach at Leipzig and the number eight can be a more attacking player – it always depends on the type of player alongside you. Now I think a bit more defensively but I'm not a different player.
How do you think the game will turn out on Saturday? How can you pose a threat to the Werkself?
Kampl: It will definitely be an exciting game played at high tempo. Two teams face each other that like to play a pressing game and have great footballers in their ranks. Of course, I hope it will be an attractive and entertaining match – above all for the spectators. We'll definitely need to produce a top performance to get a result; Leverkusen are unbeaten at home up to now.
You've trained and played alongside most of them for a long time. Which Werkself player do you think will pose the most problems?
Kampl: I can't really say as none of the opponents are that friendly (he laughs). but I'm looking forward to coming back and to the game in a very familiar stadium.
Following last weekend’s big game against Wolfsburg, Bayer 04 Women face another exciting challenge as they visit Hoffenheim to kick off Matchday 3 in the Google Pixel Bundesliga on Friday (kick-off: 18:30 CEST).
Show more
Under the slogan ‘Holidays without War’, 60 children from war-torn Ukraine took part in the summer camp organised by the German-Ukrainian association Blau-Gelbes Kreuz in Leverkusen and the surrounding area in August. The children aged between 10 and 14 – many of whom have lost their parents in the war – come from the Ukrainian twin towns of Leverkusen, Cologne and Monheim am Rhein: Nikopol, Dnipro and Volodymyr. Bayer 04, Bayer AG and TSV Bayer 04 supported the camp to mark its 10th anniversary, enabling even more children and young people than in previous years to spend a few carefree days’ holiday away from the war in the Rhineland.
Show more
Midfielder Ruby Grant is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and joining Portuguese runners-up Sporting CP a year before her contract expires. The 24-year-old has been at the Werkself since January 2025.
Show more
Bayer 04 have loaned Brazilian full-back Arthur to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen for one year. Arthur Augusto de Matos Soares – the full name of the right-back – has a contract with Leverkusen until 30 June 2031. At Werder, the 23-year-old is expected to make an impact and help the long-established club further consolidate their position in the Bundesliga.
Show more
