Bastian, what's your assessment of the season so far?
We're very happy overall up to now. We've been able to develop a new DNA. Particularly after a poor season last term, we owed our fans a lot.
You're playing for Schalke against your former club Bayer 04 on Saturday on matchday 14. Is this game special for you?
Of course, Bayer 04 are my hometown club. I went there when I was ten so it's always special to play against them – above all at the BayArena. I will often went there as a kid and I'll definitely see one or two familiar faces again on Saturday.
What sort of game are you expecting?
Leverkusen are a very strong side as they've very often shown this season. We are definitely up against one of the best teams in the league on Saturday. We'll have to be on top of our game to get a result.
You were born in Bergisch Gladbach and grew up in the region. How much support will you have in the stands at the weekend?
My family still lives in Bergisch Gladbach. Everybody goes to the game when we play at Leverkusen. So I'll have to organise some tickets again for Saturday.
You were in nearly all the youth teams at Bayer 04. Is there one particular highlight that stands out from that time?
I'll never forget the U19 Bundesliga final against Bayern Munich (2006/07, ed.). We played in front of 22,000 crowd at the BayArena and won 2-1 after extra time. That was particularly special – above all at such a young age.
Finally, the obligatory question: What's your prediction for the game against your former club?
I obviously hope we win and I think we can do it by a one-goal margin.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen continue the journey with Business Club partners Conrad Conrad Profistore Hürth with a 12-month contract extension to the end of the current 2024/24 season. The scope of the partnership has also been extended. The Conrad Profistore in Hürth has been working with the champions of Germany and DFB Pokal winners since January 2024.
Show moreThe sports tribunal of the German Football Association (DFB) has rejected Bayer 04's appeal against a replay of the Women's Bundesliga match at SC Freiburg (3-2). That's the outcome of a hearing at the DFB Campus in Frankfurt on Tuesday. Originally, SC had lodged an appeal against the match result.
Show moreThe Werkself have begun preparations for the home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday 19 October (15:30 CEST). Following a behind-closed-doors session at the start of the week, Xabi Alonso and his team worked in front of fans on Tuesday.
Show moreWerkself players Nordi Mukiele and Niklas Lomb attended the Bayer 04 Football School on Tuesday afternoon. In the first week of the autumn half-term, the new signing and the long-serving goalkeeper answered numerous questions from over 100 young footballers at the kids press conference. After the round of questions, there was of course a group photo as well as an autograph session, where the duo didn't leave a single kit or boot unsigned.
Show moreThe Werkself visit VfL Bochum on Bundesliga Matchday 10. The game kicks off at 15:30 CET at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion on Saturday 9 November. Details on how to get tickets.
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