He converted the winning penalty in the match for fifth place in the U19 European Championships at home where the Germany youngsters put in a great effort and at least ended up with a consolation prize. The path to that outcome was rather odd as the 18-year-old Henrichs admits in our 04 questions interview.
Benny, what went through your head when you took the winning penalty?
Henrichs: “I have to be honest: In all the excitement we thought we’d already won because Holland had missed twice and we’d only missed one. Then we ran to the keeper and the ref said we had to take another one. That saved me the long walk and meant I didn’t have too much time to think about it. But, of course, I was totally relieved when the ball went in.”
Then you could all celebrate – and be satisfied with the Euros overall?
Henrichs: “At the end of the day we can be happy we’ve qualified for the World Cup. But it was a real blow to go out in the group stage. That still hurts. The best bit is we’ll have the chance to do better at the World Cup next year.”
You’re back with the Werkself now. Is that a big change?
Henrichs: “Of course, it’s completely different. At the Euros all the lads were my age and here at Leverkusen most of them have been in the game for years. But that means you can learn a lot from them so I’m happy to be back here.”
What are your targets for next season?
Henrichs: “I want to carry on where I left off last season. Play as much as I can and show what I can do in every training session. I’ll definitely put in one hundred per cent.”
Bosnia 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.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
Show more