'A perfect match': Mukiele on his first days at Bayer 04

Nordi Mukiele on…

…his first days with the Werkself: The work here is tough and meticulous every day. But that was clear to me before the move as such an impressive season as the last one would not have been possible at all without that. I'm very happy to be here. Now I first want to use the international break to absorb the the coach’s style of play and to be ready tactically for when the squad is back to full strength.

…the reasons for his move to Leverkusen: The people who work with me know what I want and what I need. When they came with the approach from Bayer 04 and I spoke to the management and the coach I quickly agreed to the move. I know how good the team and the coaches are. And I love the Bundesliga. It's "a perfect match" – that's why I'm here.

…his style of play: Away from the pitch, I like to laugh a lot and I’m always in a good mood. But on the pitch I’m the tough defender and I always defend the goal wholeheartedly. I don't want strikers to score against my team or me. It's not important whether I play in the centre or on the flanks. I'll play where ever I'm put.

…his time at RB Leipzig from 2018 to 2022: Nothing has changed since then. Of course, I didn't play that much in Paris over the last two years. But I'm still the same player. I'm hungry exactly like the club. The ambition of this young team is massive – that's what I need.

…his expectations for the current season: I don't want people to think I've only come here for myself. I'm here because I want to help the team to have another successful season.