…the busy fixture list in the past and coming months: Everything has lacked rhythm over the past few weeks and it hasn't always been easy mentally. Now we have to focus completely on the next task. And that's the Europa League. We have to look at this competition on its own separated from what's happened and what's coming next.
…the target in Europa League: It's about winning a title. The hunger is there, the passion is there. We want to play ourselves in and develop over the games so that we can perhaps get through to another final this season. But first of all there's a challenge against Glasgow (Rangers) and we want to come out on top in that game.
…the international competition, which is partly still involved in league matches up to August and will go into the Europa League after several double fixture weeks: It can be an advantage to be on a run of games. But it can also be an advantage to have had two weeks holiday. We'll see. We see the opportunity to recover as an advantage to us. The break was important and we needed it. And now we are preparing as best as possible for the coming challenges.
…the coming season with a lot more double-fixture weeks in view of his history of injuries: Unfortunately it hit me again this season. That's why I don't want to look too far into the future. We are facing a tough programme – as is everybody. I'm trying to strengthen myself through the games in the Europa League so that I can go into the coming season with a good feeling. There's also a short timescale with this. So you don't really know how far into the future you should look. The best thing is to take it week by week.
…the transfer rumours surrounding Kai Havertz: It was clear to all of us that the speculation about Kai would increase over the course of the season. At the moment, it is the case that he’ll play for us in the Europa League and I assume he'll put in good performances again. There are definitely discussions with different clubs and perhaps he's already made a decision. But that's not the end of the matter. It hasn't changed anything for us players: He's part of our team and we are glad to have him.
Bayer 04 face Hamburger SV for the first time since February 2018 in their rearranged Bundesliga Matchday 17 clash. After long years in the second division, the Red Shorts have gradually reestablished themselves in the top flight this season, thanks in particular to their strong home record and third-best tackle success rate in the league. There'll be a fierce battle in the air too, as three of the highest-scoring centre-backs in the Bundesliga could be on the pitch at the Volksparkstadion - two of them for Leverkusen. The Matchday News.
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Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA), together with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), has announced the six nominees for the February 2026 Bundesliga Player of the Month award. Not one, but two Werkself players are on the list in Edmond Tapsoba and Alejandro Grimaldo. Supporters of the Black-and-Reds have from now until midnight on Sunday 8 March to vote!
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After the original fixture on 13 January was postponed due to weather-related structural risks to the Volksparkstadion's roof, Hamburger SV now host Bayer 04 Leverkusen this evening, Wednesday 4 March (kick-off 20:30 CET), in the rearranged Matchday 17 meeting. It's a second home game in three days for HSV - an update on the opponents.
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The German Football League (DFL) has announced the three candidates for Bundesliga ‘Rookie of the Month’ for February. Among the candidates is Werkself player Jarell Quansah. Fans of Bayer 04 can vote for their favourite on the Bundesliga app from now until Thursday, 5 March (23:59 CET).
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