He converted the winning penalty in the match for fifth place in the U19 European Championships at home where the Germany youngsters put in a great effort and at least ended up with a consolation prize. The path to that outcome was rather odd as the 18-year-old Henrichs admits in our 04 questions interview.
Benny, what went through your head when you took the winning penalty?
Henrichs: “I have to be honest: In all the excitement we thought we’d already won because Holland had missed twice and we’d only missed one. Then we ran to the keeper and the ref said we had to take another one. That saved me the long walk and meant I didn’t have too much time to think about it. But, of course, I was totally relieved when the ball went in.”
Then you could all celebrate – and be satisfied with the Euros overall?
Henrichs: “At the end of the day we can be happy we’ve qualified for the World Cup. But it was a real blow to go out in the group stage. That still hurts. The best bit is we’ll have the chance to do better at the World Cup next year.”
You’re back with the Werkself now. Is that a big change?
Henrichs: “Of course, it’s completely different. At the Euros all the lads were my age and here at Leverkusen most of them have been in the game for years. But that means you can learn a lot from them so I’m happy to be back here.”
What are your targets for next season?
Henrichs: “I want to carry on where I left off last season. Play as much as I can and show what I can do in every training session. I’ll definitely put in one hundred per cent.”
Matchday three in the league stage of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 takes Bayer 04 to Stade Brest. To be more exact to Guingamp where the game against the most westerly top-flight club in France will be played at the Stade de Roudouro on Wednesday, 23 October with the kick-off at 18.45 CEST. The match will be covered live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio. Up to then we will take you on the tour #aCROSSeurope and keep you up-to-date on the Werkself in Brittany.
Show moreThe Werkself face French club Stade Brest on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams won their first two games in Europe's premier club competition. Kick-off is at 18:45 CEST this evening, Wednesday 23 October, at the Stade du Roudourou (Guingamp). Catch up with key information ahead of the clash.
Show moreStill unbeaten and now with seven points to their name: In the third match of the 2024/25 UEFA Youth League, Bayer 04 U19s earned a point at Stade Brest. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Stade Francis-Le Blé, Kerim Alajbegovic put Leverkusen ahead (24'), but the French side equalised shortly before the break. After the break, Artem Stepanov had the best chance for the Werkself but his shot hit the post and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Show moreBayer 04 are away to Stade Brest on Wednesday, 23 October (kick-off: 18.45 CEST at the Stade de Roudourou, live on DAZN) on matchday three in the UEFA Champions League. Ahead of the game, to be played in Guingamp, head coach Xabi Alonso and Martin Terrier spoke about their ambitions, the dangerous opponents as well as the personnel situation at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday night.
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