…his first impressions at Bayer 04: Up to now it has all been very positive. There are lots of new faces and names that I'll have to get used to – sometimes I have to ask again. (He laughs) Mitchell Weiser and Joel Pohjanpalo are two players I know from the past. I often used to play against Mitch in the youth teams because we were both born in 1994. Also I played alongside him in the Germany youth team. And I know Joel from last season at Union.
…the background to his shirt number: As a football player you always think about which player had the number before you. Lars Bender (twelve years at Bayer 04 and now honorary captain, ed.) had an incredible career at this club. But I'm not putting myself under any massive pressure because of that. The number just fits in with my position in central midfield. I'll try to fill the role as a number eight in my way and hope that I'm as successful as possible.
…the qualities he's brought with him: I believe I can help the team with my mentality – that's what I'm clearly striving for. My aim is to get everybody on board and to be there for my teammates both on and off the pitch.
…his career to date: I always had the target of playing in the Bundesliga. Fortunately I've managed to achieve that by a circuitous route – which did me good in terms of my development. When I heard that Bayer 04 were interested I was really up for it. I've always seen Leverkusen as a likeable club. And Bayer 04 stand for successful attacking football.
…his personal targets with the Werkself: Leverkusen are among the top clubs in the Bundesliga. The target for Bayer 04 must always be to aim for the Champions League spots. And we'll do that this season too. For me, it kicks off with a great game against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday. 18.30, floodlights – I'm really looking forward to it!
Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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The Werkself returned from the near one-month break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga with a convincing victory at home. Roberto Pätzold's side beat SC Freiburg 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Katharina Piljic, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Cornelia Kramer and Carlotta Wamser ensuring a 13th win of the season at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The Black and Reds, who are now on 40 points, move up to fourth place at least overnight.
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The fifth consecutive derby win over 1. FC Köln was a hugely significant one in terms of the battle for the UEFA Champions League places. Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, speaking for the whole team, dedicated the 2-1 victory in the cathedral city to the travelling support: "I'm especially happy about this victory for our fans!" Get the rest of the reaction from those involved and the media, as well as some impressive stats on two-goal hero Patrik Schick and a look at the all-time Bundesliga table, in the Werkself Review.
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