Back
28.09.2017Bundesliga

'It will be a tough challenge for both teams'

In 1999, Bastian Oczipka joined the youth section at Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the age of 11 from SSG Bergisch Gladbach. The now 28-year-old progressed through all the youth teams by 2008 before gaining playing experience for the first teams at FC Hansa Rostock (42 second division appearances) and FC St. Pauli (16 second and 20 first division appearances). In 2011 the left back returned to Bayer 04 where he played nine games for the Werkself in the Bundesliga plus three in the Champions League. A year later, the player born in Bergisch Gladbach, joined league rivals Eintracht Frankfurt before moving on to FC Schalke 04 in the summer. We caught up with Bastian ahead of the match against the team where he learned his trade...
Oczipka_Bellarabi.jpg

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."

Bewerb_Schwadbud_HomepageMediumRectangle_300x250px_FCSchalke04vs.jpg

Related News

Estrella Merino Gonzalez
Women - 11.07.2025

First goal for Fudalla: Women's friendly against Zwolle ends all square

The 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').

Show more
Bayer 04
eSports - 11.07.2025

#B04eSports: Landwehr cousins Landwehr agree two-year extension

Continuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.

Show more
Bayer 04-Fans im Gästeblock
Bayer 04 - 10.07.2025

Information on ticket sales for 2025/26 away games

An average of over 3,500 fans supported the Werkself at away games last season. Looking forward to the 2025/26 season, Bayer 04 now provide information on ticket sales for away games. The previous 0 sales phase is being replaced by the Regulars phase.

Show more
Bundesliga-Spielball 2025/26
Bundesliga - 10.07.2025

DFL schedules matchdays 1 to 5 – Friday night game against Eintracht Frankfurt

The German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the details for the first five matchdays in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Read on for details of the fixtures.

Show more