Juliette, you started in your first game for Bayer 04 – in the 3-2 opening win at Freiburg. What was your Bundesliga debut like?
Vidal: I was nervous but full of anticipation at the same time. The team had great energy on the pitch and the mentality of never giving up. Fortunately that paid off in the end. The fact the game was so physical suited my style of play. Now I'm looking forward to our next challenges.
Do you know the background to your surname in Leverkusen?
Vidal: As a child, I looked out for players who had my surname. Then I thought: Oh, there's Arturo Vidal from Chile, how cool. But to be honest I didn't know that he played here until I signed for Leverkusen. Then I read the comments on social media… (she laughs).
Arturo Vidal played for Leverkusen from 2007 to 2011 and scored 15 goals in 117 games as a defensive midfielder. You can also play in defensive midfield. Could his time at Bayer 04 be a role model for you?
Vidal: Of course, that would be an interesting target. I don't look so far into the future but why not? I've nothing against it.
What's your favourite position on the pitch?
Vidal: Where I play completely depends on the set-up as a team. I can play in defensive midfield and I like it when there are lots of players around me. As a central defender I have the game in front of me and I can play passes in different directions. I've also played at left-back but I don't think that will be the case here. But that would be okay in an emergency (she laughs).
How would you describe your style of play?
Vidal: I like attacking the ball in a high press. My aim is always to give 100% regardless of the scoreline. That mentality is one of my strengths. During my time at FC Basel, several German players advised me to switch to the Bundesliga as the league is known for its intense tackles and challenges.
Last season you won the league title with Anderlecht: What was the season like and what does winning that trophy mean to you?
Vidal: We had a strong winning mentality built on winning six league titles in succession before. That meant every training session was very intense, we knew what we were working for, that was our mindset and our clear target. At that club it was not an option to win the title but more of an expectation. We were the ones being chased in every game. When we finally withstood that pressure then the relief and the joy were even greater. It was a special kind of pressure that you get used to incredibly quickly.
You opted for a rather unusual squad number of 56 – why was that?
Vidal: In France every departement has a number, my hometown Morbihan in Brittany has the number 56. We are very proud of our departments and 56 was just right as I don't have any special favourite number. On top of that, five and six are also my positions on the pitch.
What do you think you and your new team can achieve this season?
Vidal: We have a lot of quality in the team and the coach gives is a very concrete idea of playing which we are more and more taking on board. Of course, a lot of the other teams are difficult to assess but I'm very confident overall. Personally I'd like to play as many games as possible and enjoy my time on the pitch regardless of in which position.
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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