Bastian, on Friday you will line up for FC Schalke 04 against the team you played for as a youngster. How does that make you feel?
Bastian Oczipka: "Games against Leverkusen are always something special for me as I've spent half my life at Bayer 04. I played for all the junior teams from the U11s upwards and then I went on to play for the first team. You don't forget things like that. I definitely still feel a certain connection to the club."
What's that connection like?
Oczipka: "Even though I'm not at all close to it I still somehow get to know about what's happening at the club. And if I've got time then I always find it interesting to follow the games."
Do you still have contact with Bayer 04 players or coaches?
Oczipka: "No, at least not with any of the players in the current team. I do still have occasional contact with my former youth coach Jörg Bittner."
What was your best moment in a Werkself shirt?
Oczipka: "I still remember winning the U19 Championship title in 2007. We played the FC Bayern U19s in the final and won 2-1 on a great stage in front of a full house at the BayArena. I even managed to score a goal – I scored the equaliser with my right foot (he laughs)."
Let's move on to your new club. What's your assessment of FC Schalke's start to the season?
Oczipka: We made a decent start but then we lost to two strong opponents. Nevertheless, I think we're very much on track after the difficulties of last season. Like Bayer 04, there's been a new start here and I see clear parallels…"
What do you mean?
Oczipka: "Both clubs failed to live up to expectations last season. A number of things changed in the summer including the arrival of a new coach. It takes time for players to adapt to the new way of playing and new philosophy, and then take it all in. If we keep working well and learn from our mistakes, and put them right, then I'm sure we'll be able to pick up points again soon. For that you need patience and calm. In that respect I think the club is on the right track."
What sort of game are you expecting at the Veltins Arena on Friday?
Oczipka: "It will be a tough challenge for both teams. I've watched several Bayer 04 games this season. Leverkusen have a very strong team and they've just played very well against HSV. But we are at home and in spite of all my sympathy for my former club I hope that we win at the end of the day."
