
Kai, you withdrew from the U19 European Championships in the summer to give yourself a break after last season. Now you're back from holiday – did you get chance to recover?
Havertz: Yes, I had about a month off and I used the time to rest and recover – including from school – and I think it’s all worked out really well.
The first days in the training camp are over. What are your impressions so far? Havertz: We've had a good start but you also see how tough it is. But that's why the pre-season is there and we've got to get through it. It's fun being back here with the lads and I think we'll have a few good days.
What are your aims the new season?
Havertz: I'd like to establish myself and get more time on the pitch. On top of that, I want to join the team in a new start and achieve our joint targets.
Last season you showed how versatile you are. But if you were the coach, where would you play yourself?
Havertz: I'm definitely a midfielder. But I'm still very young and I don't really mind where I play. The main thing is for me to play!
04 fan questions – thanks for joining in.
@Jonasovic(via Twitter): What would you have done after your A-levels if you're football career hadn't taken off so quickly?
Havertz: It's difficult to say. I've always wanted to work in sport. Of course, my aim was to end up here at some point – that is be a professional footballer. Definitely something to do with sports but I can't really imagine what that would have been exactly.
@crxfm(via Twitter): You are a very versatile player up front. But what's your favourite position?
Havertz: As I just said: I most like playing in central midfield but I don't really mind where I play at the moment – the main thing is that I'm on the pitch.
@Pat Mosby(via Facebook): Are Vladlen and Co. really better than you at FIFA?
Havertz: No, I dispute that. I just had a bad night yesterday. (He laughs) Vlad is very good but Atakan and Sam are definitely not better than me.
@Christian Waschkewitz(via Facebook): Do you have any rituals before matches?
Havertz: It wouldn't actually see ritual but perhaps a little foible: I always put on my left shin pad and then my left boot first. That's not really true ritual but that's what I do most of the time before games.

Bayer 04 were beaten 1-0 away at Union Berlin on Matchday 23 in the Bundesliga. Kasper Hjulmand’s side struggled to create clear chances, while the hosts struck the only goal of the game through Rani Khedira in the 28th minute.
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Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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