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.
There won’t just be plenty of excitement on the pitch as Bayer 04 host Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena at 18:30 CET on Saturday. Outside the stadium there will be collection points for food donations to the Leverkusen Foodbank, which will also benefit from the profits of a jersey raffle in the Fanwelt afterwards. There will also be a minute’s silence before kick-off following the passing of long-time Werkself player Dieter Herzog, before two fan clubs are honoured for their decades-long support at half-time and fans receive a talk about Orange Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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Bayer 04 go into the first of two successive clashes with Borussia Dortmund boosted by their Champions League win at Manchester City. Ahead of the Bundesliga top match on Saturday, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET), coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the tight schedule, BVB's strengths and returning squad members.
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Borussia Dortmund are doing very well in terms of points and results in the Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League. BVB have only suffered two defeats to date this term. Now coach Niko Kovac's team are away to the Werkself on Saturday night, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET) in the top match on Bundesliga matchday 12. The two teams meet again three days later in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie in Dortmund. Two very competitive encounters are on the cards. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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The Bayer 04 Women clcoked up a 3-2 win in a friendly against Twente Enschede on Thursday afternoon in the last international break of 2025. In drizzle, Lilla Turanyi (16’), Kristin Kögel (65’) and Paulina Bartz (69’) scored the goals for the Werkself against the Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen leaders, who are still unbeaten in the league.
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