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.
For the second time in four days, Bayer 04 face Borussia Dortmund this Tuesday evening, 2 December (kick-off: 21:00 CET) - this time in the round of 16 of the DFB Pokal, with more than 7,000 fans supporting the Werkself at Signal Iduna Park. After the recent 2-1 defeat to BVB in the league, several cup stats provide hope of revenge for the Black and Reds. There are several reasons why Bayer 04 recommends getting to the round of 16 clash early, in which VAR will be in use, unlike in the previous rounds. Read on for further information on tonight’s game in our matchday news.
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Just three days on from the Bundesliga meeting in Leverkusen, Bayer 04 now visit Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal on Tuesday (21:00 CET). Ahead of the game at the Signal Iduna Park, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about how to approach this second encounter in 72 hours and a number of developments within the squad.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 12 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season...
Bayer 04 were beaten 2-1 at home by Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 12 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Although the Werkself had more of the play in the first half, the visitors went ahead through Aaron Anselmino. Karim Adeyemi doubled their advantage after the hour, but Christian Kofane gave Leverkusen late hope, although ultimately to no avail.
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There won’t just be plenty of excitement on the pitch as Bayer 04 host Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena at 18:30 CET on Saturday. Outside the stadium there will be collection points for food donations to the Leverkusen Foodbank, which will also benefit from the profits of a jersey raffle in the Fanwelt afterwards. There will also be a minute’s silence before kick-off following the passing of long-time Werkself player Dieter Herzog, before two fan clubs are honoured for their decades-long support at half-time and fans receive a talk about Orange Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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