Alejandro, what are your first impressions of the club and the surroundings?
Grimaldo: I'm very happy to finally be here. I've been able to get to know everybody in the past few days and I’ve had a great reception. Up to now, I get on very well with Gustavo Puerta above all as he also speaks Spanish. But the Spanish-speaking colleagues amongst the staff have made it easy for me to settle in. Now I’ll use the preseason to get used to everything – both on and off the pitch. Over time, I also want to improve my English and learn German of course (he laughs).
You played for Benfica for the past few years, also a very attractive club. What persuaded you to join Bayer 04?
Grimaldo: The club and Xabi (head coach Xabi Alonso, ed.) himself showed great interest me for a long while and they took time out for a lot of talks with me. They made me feel positive and conveyed great confidence. I felt the positive energy from Xabi in the first few days I was here. The energy, he used to have on the pitch, is now transmitted to us. He also has a clear approach to football. He really is a top coach.
You scored an impressive 27 goals in your time in Lisbon as a left-back. What are your plans and targets for the new season?
Grimaldo: I think I can make the difference up front and at the back – with assists and with goals. Also I want to be a leader. That's a role I've always had in my previous teams. I'd like to help my team step up in quality. At the end of the day, I'll always try my best to implement what the coach asks and expects of me – regardless of my position.
The new Bayer 04 home shirt for the new season has come out this week. How do you like it?
Grimaldo: I think it's really great. The significance of the cross on the chest has been explained to me. I think they've done really well with the background and the connection of the club to the fans and the city
Get the new home shirt now: HERE from the online shop.
The long-standing successful collaboration between Bayer 04 and the transport service provider wupsi GmbH has been expanded: From January 2026, 100 wupsi bikes with Bayer 04 branding will be available for hire throughout the city of Leverkusen. They will complement the many existing offers and services that provide key support, especially for fans travelling to and from home matches at the BayArena.
Show more
The Werkself are back! Following the two-week winter break, head coach Kasper Hjulmand's team began the new year with an open session on Sunday. After Robert Andrich and his teammates arrived in Leverkusen yesterday for the official check-in, they got back down to business a day later in front of around 1,200 fans at the Ulrich Haberland Stadion. The report from the Werkself's first session of 2026.
Show more
In her debut season of 2024/25, Cornelia Kramer immediately became the top scorer for Bayer 04 Women. However, the Danish national team striker was stopped by an injury at the start of the new season. Now, just in time before the end of last year, she is fit again – and has extended her contract early until 2027. In this interview, the 23-year-old talks about the reasons for her decision and looks ahead.
Show more
After a two-week winter break, the Werkself resume training on Sunday, 4 January. The first session in 2026 at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium starts at 11:00 and is open to fans. Bayer 04 look forward to welcoming supporters at the start of 2026. The Werkself schedule for the new year.
Show more
