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.
Opening opponents, derby weekends, the opponents in the season finale: This information and more will be available to Bayer 04 fans on Thursday, 2 July, when the 2026/27 Bundesliga fixture list is published.
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Rüdiger Vollborn has been at the club for 40 years, he holds the record number of Bundesliga appearances for the club (401) and is the only Bayer 04 player to have won both the UEFA Cup (1988) and the DFB Pokal (1993). And the Berliner stayed with the Werkself after ending his impressive playing career as he worked as a goalkeeping coach for the following nine years. Vollborn now works under the Bayer Cross as a fan liaison officer and club archivist. Since February 2021, the personal Black and Red lexicon takes Werkself fans under the heading of 'Rudi recounts...' on a brief trip through the history of Bayer 04 every month…
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 midfielder Jonah Berghoff ahead of schedule. The Germany U18 international has signed professional terms with the club to 30 June 2030.
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Two months of preparation, five friendlies and the return of a familiar training camp location: After finishing fifth in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga last season, the Werkself will return to training on Tuesday, 23 June. Bayer04.de outlines the key dates in the 2026 summer timetable.
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