
What do you think you have to achieve and would you be really disappointed if you couldn't make it? (@Amy, via Twitter)
Julian Brandt: "I'd definitely be disappointed if I didn't manage to win a title during my career. Then I don't think I'd be able to stop playing football – I'd be happy to stand at the corner flag and watch as my team-mates win the title (he laughs). No, to be serious: Winning a title is definitely one of the things I have to achieve."
Who would you most like to meet? (Yvonne Heilmann, via Facebook)
Julian Brandt: (thinks about it) "I can't think of anybody in particular at the moment who I want to emulate or see as a role model – not athletes, actors or politicians even though there a lot of cool people. But I don't dream about having to get to know somebody."
Were you able to enjoy your holiday? (Nico Jager, via Facebook)
Julian Brandt: "Yes, I was really able to enjoy my holiday – the four weeks and the holiday with my family were great."
What effect does the team have on you – as things stand? (Marcel Kirchhoff, via Facebook)
Julian Brandt: "I was able to follow a couple of the games in the pre-season - including via the live stream. I think the team look very solid: We've won the first four friendlies and all without conceding. Of course, there were opponents we had to beat but I think the lads have performed pretty well. And now everybody's determined to make progress in training. I think we'll get up to speed over the next two weeks so we're ready to go in the new season."

Will Bayer 04 emulate their away wins at Benfica and Manchester City? Newcastle United are the visitors at a sold-out BayArena on Wednesday, 10 December (kick-off: 21:00 CET/live on Werkself Radio) to round off the UEFA Champions League games for the year. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke in advance about the momentum in Europe's premier club competition and gave an encouraging personnel update. Jarell Quansah also spoke about his experiences playing against Nick Woltemade and his wish for the Bayer 04 fans.
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Newcastle United have amassed nine points after five matchdays, one more in the UEFA Champions League than the Werkself. The Magpies are also steadily improving in the Premier League, where they're currently unbeaten in four games. On Wednesday, 10 December (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Eddie Howe's side will be the visitors at the BayArena. He's also likely to field two Germany internationals in the game. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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The situation ahead of the showdown is clear - and promising. The Bayer 04 U19s host Newcastle United on the sixth and final matchday of the 2025/26 UEFA Youth League phase. A win at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium would see the Werkself go through to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time. Ahead of the clash on Wednesday, 10 December (kick-off: 14:00 CET/livestream on bayer04.de and in the Bayer 04 app), coach Kevin Brok spoke about the successful build-up, his assessment of the match and the danger of underestimating the already eliminated English side.
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The Werkself will host VfB Stuttgart at the BayArena on matchday 16 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The game is on Saturday, 10 January, at 18:30 CET. Information on ticket sales.
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The Werkself will host Werder Bremen at the BayArena on matchday 19 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The game is on Saturday, 24 January, at 15:30 CET. Information on ticket sales.
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