…the forthcoming top of the table clash with Bayern Munich: It's a top match that everybody’s fired up for. We want to produce the same performance levels and the same commitment as in recent games. After the last home game against Bayern (a 2-1 defeat in December 2020, ed.) we unfortunately fell into a little hole. But I'm sure that won't happen to us again this time – regardless of how the game turns out. Even though we have even more younger players than back then, we are more mature as a team.
…the structure within the squad: Last season the Benders (Lars and Sven Bender, ed.) carried a lot of responsibility. It was seen as their job for the two of them on and off the pitch. It's logical that the structure has changed after their departure and now other players have to bear greater responsibility. The coach came to the dressing room from day one with the approach: Every individual has to take more responsibility for themselves and their teammates. That had an effect on the personal development of many of us. And you can see that on the pitch.
…his development and the influence of head coach Gerardo Seoane: Of course, I'm primarily happy about having so much time on the pitch. I feel really good with the new setup – on the pitch and in the dressing room. I think the coach has played a big part in that. Those factors also played a big role in my contract extension (to 2025, ed.). A lot is going in the right direction. I've never experienced the dynamism before that we've used to encourage and support each other and that's produced a fundamentally positive energy. I hope we can carry that through to the end of the season.
…his role on and off the pitch: I'm not so keen on the word boss and I prefer to describe myself as a leader. When you're older, perhaps you have more awareness of your teammates and you can help others on the pitch with your experience. I decided to do that as best I can. It's always important to coach each other – everybody has to do it. Nobody is allowed to hide. Communication is the most important thing on the pitch.
…his attitude to training: I've worked hard on my game over the past few years. Above all, at the time where I wasn't playing as much. I've always tried to see things positively and communicate that outwardly. And it's worked out: I'm here now and I'm happy to be able to show what I can do on the pitch week by week.
…his possible future in the national team: I'm very happy about qualification for the World Cup and I'm proud of the lads. It's never been a secret that I want to be part of the national team again – and I think I belong there. But I've learned to accept and respect all the decisions of those in charge – regardless of whether I'm called up or not. I can only concentrate on producing my best possible performance on the pitch every day.
The team departs for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday for the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour 2025 from July 14-24. The preseason journey marks a change from recent training camps in the Austrian Alps and Black Forest and we caught up with CEO Fernando Carro to ask him about this summer's visit to Brazil.
Show moreMalik Tillman and the USA could not quite achieve the hoped-for big win in their own country. Last Monday’s final in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Houston ended up in a 2-1 defeat for the hosts against Mexico. But the Bayer 04 new signing can be very happy with the course of the tournament and his own performances. Tillman was in the starting line-up for all six games. That concluded an impressive season for him after winning the Eredivisie title in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven. Bayer04.de profiles the 23-year-old new signing.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the USA international Malik Tillman. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder joins the Werkself from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven. Tillman, with German roots and born in Nuremberg, has a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2030. He scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 34 games for PSV last season. Three of those goals and two assists were in six matches in the UEFA Champions League.
Show moreThe second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
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