Bernd, first of all many happy returns and all the best from Leverkusen. How are you spending this special day?
Leno: Thank you. Friends from Germany have come over specially. We’ll definitely drink something, enjoy the time together and have fun.
You've had a good ten years in professional football. How do you look back at your career to date?
Leno: It was a very successful time and I couldn't have imagined that in my dreams. I've won the FA Cup with Arsenal and the Confed Cup with Germany. But it's also clear it's not all over. I hope I've got a few more good years in front of me.
You became a professional player at Leverkusen. What are your memories of your early years at Bayer?
Leno: Only good ones. I can remember the first day exactly: I went into the dressing room and nobody knew who I was. Nevertheless, Kies and Simse (Stefan Kießling and Simon Rolfes, ed.) plus other players gave me a great reception and helped me straightaway. That made it very easy for me. I also felt very welcome by the fans. That helps a young player enormously. So, today I’m very grateful to the fans and the staff at the club.
What are your targets for the future on and off the pitch?
Leno: I want to play professional football at least until my mid 30s – and happily even longer if my body’s up to it. As long as I can enjoy football I'll stick at it and always do my best. Also I want to gain more experience. I'm always open to new adventures – as with this Premier League adventure. Those are experiences for life.
The Werkself are away to Bayern Munich tomorrow. What will be the decisive in this game?
Leno: The lads should play like they have done in the past few weeks – like they did against Dortmund and Bielefeld. Of course, Bayern are very strong but not unbeatable. Bayer are incredibly good in attack, they are comfortable on the ball and well organised. On top of that, there's the individual quality in attack. They've got it all.
The Europa League draw threw up Atalanta and Bayer 04 head to Italy next week. How do you rate the chances for the Werkself in the two Round of 16 games?
Leno: It's a difficult draw, Atalanta were one of the big teams in the draw in my opinion. But if Bayer produce a performance in both games then they should definitely go through. I'm confident.
Finally: What do you wish for in the coming year?
Leno: Good health for everybody and normality again in the world at last.
In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
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Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
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After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
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Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
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