Charles, the home game against Juventus is part of the challenge for second place in Group D with Atletico Madrid. How can we beat the group leaders?
First of all, it’s great to be playing against Juventus and taking on a team with players like that. That’s what the Champions League is all about. We have to be very focused on the game. We should enjoy it but, above all, we should be aware of our responsibilities. We’ve got a chance of going through to the next round of the Champions League. We can’t afford to think about anything else but this game.
Juve will finish top of the group. Do you think Ronaldo and Co. will take it easy at the BayArena?
I can’t imagine top players like that not taking a game seriously. It will be very difficult. But we’re hopeful and we’ll do all we can to win and make the people happy. If the results go right then it will obviously be great to go through to the next round.
You talk about us going through to the Round of 16. That would be a minor miracle after losing the first three games. Would it be a ‘miracle’ for you too?
Of course, it would be a big surprise. As a team, we dropped important points at the start of the competition and we haven’t made up for it. But we can’t look back and we have to focus on Juventus. We have to keep working hard and win. If Atletico don’t win then we can start thinking about what to call it.
Third place is guaranteed so you will be in the Europa League at the very least. You can afford to be relaxed, can’t you?
I prefer to see it as us having the chance to go through. We want to be in the next round and nothing else. That’s the mentality you need.
What do games in the Champions League mean to you? And, above all, the home games at the BayArena?
The Champions League is a great competition. Playing against the best players in the best teams is a really great experience. And if we manage to work with the crowd against Juve like we did against Atletico then we’ll have a good chance of winning the game.
You played a big part in the Werkself being able to win against Atletico and in Moscow – not just because of your two assists. How happy are you with your performances in the Champions League to date?
I’m never really satisfied. You always want to do your best and give all you can. We hope to go through to the next round and continue playing in the Champions League. If we can do that then I will definitely be a bit happier… (he grins).
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
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Plenty going on both on and off the pitch: The Bayer 04 fan support team has organised a number of highlights for fans visiting the Werkself 2026/27 summer training camp in Blankenhain, in the Weimarer Land region. Registration for the events is now open. All the details at a glance.
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