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.
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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In the final international break in the current 2025/26 campaign, Bayer 04 striker Patrik Schick with Czechia will be battling for a place at the World Cup. Meanwhile, national teams that have already qualified, include other Werkself players called up, are involved in friendlies in the build-up to the World Cup. Read on for an overview of the Leverkusen internationals and their match dates.
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The Werkself kicked off the final international break of the current season on Monday morning with the first of three open training sessions this week. While eleven Bayer 04 players will be away on international duty in the coming days, the other players will be working together in Leverkusen. The next challenge in the Bundesliga awaits on Saturday, 4 April (kick-off: 15:30 CEST) with the home game against VfL Wolfsburg.
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