Andy, Bayer 04 face a 1,200-kilometre trip to the Scottish capital for the first away game in the Europa League this season. What can the Werkself expect at Celtic Park?
Thom: There will definitely be a passionate atmosphere – but I don't think I’m giving anything away there. The atmosphere is always fantastic. It will be difficult for Leverkusen to come out on top.
Celtic are the only club you played for abroad. Do you still have special memories of your time there?
Thom: Yes, definitely. I learned an awful lot and had a great time there. When I was at the club, Rangers (Celtic's biggest rivals in Scotland, ed.) were stronger than us individually. But we somehow managed to launch a new era. When you look at how many times Celtic were champions - regardless of the rivals' problems- then that's alright. (He laughs)
What was your perception of the Scottish way of life and the people when you were there?
Thom: They gave me a really warm reception. I quickly tried to learn the language – even though it was very difficult to understand the Scottish accent. That enabled me to communicate relatively quickly and I felt at home. In retrospect, I can definitely say the move was a good decision back then.
Celtic Park is famous for its unique atmosphere. Why do you have to have been there as a football fan?
Thom: I don't know if you really have to have been there. But given my experience, I can say that it is simply exceptional there. The fans are absolutely fantastic and really very loud. It's a pure football stadium where there's an absolute brilliant atmosphere. Back then, when we were playing against Barcelona, you couldn't hear yourself think. It was crazy.
Apart from the fans, what else is special about the club?
Thom: It's a working class club that has stayed loyal to its traditions over the years. The team always give 100 per cent for 90 minutes on the pitch. And even if they don’t always win the fans are grateful for what they see.
Celtic haven't won in the last three games (one draw, two defeats). What's your assessment of the team at the moment?
Thom: Looking at it from afar, Celtic haven't made a good start to the season. Regardless of that, I think the quality of football at Leverkusen is better than at Celtic. But I also believe it will be tricky for Bayer 04. The Celtic players will get stuck in, battle and give their all – that's the prevailing mentality.
The Bayer 04 players were put through their paces at the Werkstatt – the club’s rehabilitation and training centre – on Sunday as they completed the first and main part of this year’s performance diagnostics. New signings Mark Flekken, Ibrahim Maza and Axel Tape, as well as players returning from their holidays, all did the customary medical and athletic tests.
Show moreThe 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.
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