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.
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreA new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
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