Aleksandar Dragovic has played for Bayer 04 for the last five years and proved loyal to the Werkself defence throughout that time. Sometimes in central defence, sometimes at right-back or even as a holding midfielder – ‘Drago’ has been a team player whenever he was needed. “Being a striker is still missing,” joked the Austrian when asked about his versatility before modestly adding: “I try to do my best for the club in every position and I’m the sort of person who always puts the success of the team first.”
That goes down well with the fans. And it’s no surprise that Dragovic gained great popularity with Werkself supporters over the years. His relaxed manner, his humour and the fact he has a waggish sense of humour – it all went down well with the North Stand. A song has been dedicated to him. To the melody of the 80’s classic ‘Sauerland’ by the Zoff group, Werkself fans sing: “Dragovic! My heart beats for you, Dragovic. He scythes down opponents from behind and has the best hair in the whole league.” With a wink of the eye – exactly to the liking of Aleksandar Dragovic.
When you look at the player’s development, the 30-year-old is extremely determined and ambitious. That was evident early on: As a youngster, the Viennese played for the youth teams at FK Austria and he moved up to the senior squad in 2008. After three successful years at Austria, where Dragovic won the Austrian cup as the first of his four titles, the Austrian with Serbian roots joined the Swiss record champions. He went on to win three league titles and another domestic cup competition with FC Basel. Ahead of his move to Bayer 04, the defensive stalwart spent three years in Ukraine from 2013: The Bayer 04 defender was able to win an impressive five titles with Dynamo Kiev and he made it to the Champions League Round of 16 in 2015/16.
Dragovic moved to Leverkusen in the summer of 2016. With the exemption of the 2017/18 campaign, when he was on loan to Leicester City, he always gave his all for Bayer 04. “Success in football doesn’t happen on its own and nobody gives it to you. Even if you are at the top, you always still have to take one more step than the others,” said Dragovic.
In addition to his uncompromising and robust approach to challenges and tackles, the Austrian is also known for his qualities on the ball. “I would say I’m a central defender who’s good on the ball. If it’s possible I try to be cautious in solving problems. I’m no fan of ‘kick and rush’, where the ball is just booted up field,” said the 30-year-old in assessing his style of play.
The Werkself benefited several times from Drago’s ability to play the game: The talented central defender scored the winner late on in this season’s 2-1 away win for the Werkself at Arminia Bielefeld on matchday 8. A powerful Dragovic volley on the European stage contributed to the 3-2 win against Nice in the Europa League group stage.
In the usual Dragovic manner, the grounded defensive stalwart does not attach too much importance to personal success: “You can never rest. You can be the hero one week and the bogeyman the next. You have to focus on yourself every day and not rest on your laurels from the day before.” And you can be certain: At his favourite club as a child, Drago will give his all every day at the top Serbian side Red Star Belgrade to achieve the maximum success.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss at VfL Wolfsburg on the 22nd matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2024/25...
Show moreBayer 04 Women ended their record-breaking 2024/25 Bundesliga season with a 3-1 defeat at Wolfsburg. It means Roberto Pätzold’s side finish the campaign with an unprecedented 43 points and 13 wins in fourth place for the club’s highest-ever finish. Cornelia Kramer scored the Werkself’s goal in the 75th minute.
Show moreBayer 04 said goodbye to loanees Emiliano Buendia, Mario Hermoso and Nordi Mukiele ahead of kick-off in their final home game of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season against Borussia Dortmund.
Show moreBayer 04 host Borussia Dortmund in their final home game of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. The Matchday 33 encounter this Sunday (3.30pm CEST) is a sell-out at the BayArena, which will say goodbye to several players like Jonathan Tah and also coach Xabi Alonso. Here’s all you need to know ahead of this crucial game for both teams.
Show moreIn front of a full house at the BayArena, Borussia Dortmund are the opponents on Bundesliga matchday 33 on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). For BVB it is about important points in the race for a Champions League spot while the Werkself are looking to maintain the chance of the second best season in the club's history. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the approach to the clash. In addition, the Spaniard officially announced his departure from Bayer 04 at the end of the season.
Show more