Back
2.12.2021Bayer 04

Frimpong isn't thinking of heavy legs: 'I love this game'

He is the outfield player with the most minutes on the pitch (1,766) of all the Bayer 04 players this term: Jeremie Frimpong has developed into an absolute key player under head coach Gerardo Seoane. Despite only being 20 years old, the Netherlands U21 international, who joined Bayer 04 from Celtic last winter, is currently an integral part of the side. In a media interview, the right back spoke about the differences between the Scottish Premiership and the Bundesliga as well as his recipe for avoiding heavy legs.
crop_20211128_JS_RBL_B04_2065.jpg

Jeremie, what's your impression of the team at the moment?

Frimpong: Training is good and the team is generally in good shape. We've won the last three games and built up a lot of confidence. That's how we have to, and want to, carry on up to the winter break.

You scored your first Bundesliga goal in the 3-1 win against RB Leipzig.

Frimpong: It was really great and also very important in a game against a very good opponent. But I’m not resting on that moment of success but continuing to work hard on my game. There's a long way to go in this season.

 

crop_20211128_JS_RBL_B04_1872.jpg

You joined Bayer 04 from Celtic a year ago. What differences have you identified up to now between the Scottish Premiership and the Bundesliga?

Frimpong: It took a while to settle in here but it was a big step forward for me. Every game in the Bundesliga is hard-fought, intensive and tough. You can never take it easy even against the team bottom of the table. There are lots of young, fresh and quick lads here while opponents in Scotland often included several older players.

Your former club from Glasgow was one of the two top teams in Scotland. You often had to go into every game with a very attacking approach as the opponents used to defend deep.

Frimpong: At Celtic we usually always had the ball except for possibly against Rangers, Hibs or Aberdeen. As a defender I was mostly involved up front as well. I have to be everywhere in the Bundesliga now: attacking and defending. But that's great fun and it presents me with new challenges.

This season, you've got the most minutes on the pitch of all outfield players in the Werkself squad. How’s your fitness going into the run-in to the end of the year?

Frimpong: Of course, you do get heavy legs but you mustn't think about it. You have to recover well, sleep a lot and eat well. In addition: I love this game. Being on the pitch in every match is the best thing that can happen to a football player.

 

Related News

Women lose in Wolfsburg after a stunning goal by a former player | 20th matchday
Werkself-TV - 15.03.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-2 loss at VfL Wolfsburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-2 loss at VfL Wolfsburg on the 20th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Besprechung im Training
Women - 15.03.2026

'Match them as equals when it's 11 vs. 11': Women out for revenge at Wolfsburg for reverse fixture defeat

The Bundesliga home game against VfL Wolfsburg in the first half of the season was one of those classic ‘days to forget’ for Bayer 04 Women. It started with goalkeeper Charlotte Voll being shown a red card in the first minute of the game, and following a further sending-off, coach Roberto Pätzold's 9-women side ended up losing 5-1 to last season's runners-up. At 18.30 CET on Sunday, they'll have the chance to exact revenge at the AOK Stadium - and pick up valuable points in the race for third place.

Show more
Werkself miss out on victory in a thrilling match | 26th matchday
Werkself-TV - 14.03.2026

TV highlights of 1-1 draw against FC Bayern

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 1-1 draw against FC Bayern Munich on Matchday 26 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season...

Show more
Montrell Cubreath gegen Konrad Laimer
Bundesliga - 14.03.2026

Werkself held to 1-1 draw by Bayern in eventful encounter

Bayer 04 were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Bayern Munich in an eventful Matchday 26 fixture in the Bundesliga. Aleix Garcia had given the Werkself the lead inside six minutes, but Bayern levelled in the second half through Luis Diaz, despite Nicolas Jackson having been send off before the break. Diaz was then dismissed himself as Leverkusen pushed for a winner, which failed to materialise as Jonas Hofmann saw a late goal ruled out.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04FCB
Bundesliga - 14.03.2026

Matchday news #B04FCB: Exploit weakness to extend unbeaten home run against Bayern

Bayern Munich come to the BayArena this Saturday with an 11-point lead in the Bundesliga as they look to take a step closer to the title. As imperious as they may seem, a weakness has emerged of late that the Werkself proved they can exploit in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League. Leverkusen are also looking to make it four Bundesliga home games unbeaten against the Bavarians. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the 15:30 CET kick-off in our matchday news.

Show more