Jonas Hofmann on...
...his decision to join Bayer 04: After the time with the national team in the summer, I felt I wanted to start a new chapter. It's an honour when a club like Leverkusen gets in contact. I had a brilliant time at Mönchengladbach and I developed there as a player and a person. It was never a decision against Gladbach but always a decision for me and my future. I can't wait to start the new chapter, I believe in the development of this club and that the success of last season will continue.
...his impression of the Bayer 04 management: The talks with Simon Rolfes and Xabi Alonso impressed me. Simon with his experience and his expertise as a former international and Xabi as an internationally recognised personality in sport. I loved watching him play football. When you talk to him about football now and he explains how he wants to play the game, what approach he has and where he sees you as a player then it is something special and very instructive. He gave me the feeling I can help the team with my qualities. After the talks, I realised it was the right step for me.
…the first training sessions under the Bayer Cross with international teammate Florian Wirtz: Flo is a really special talent. He's only 20 years old but again and again has impressively demonstrated his qualities in recent years. I'm very much looking forward to playing alongside him at club level. His ability and vision are impressive. I'm sure we'll complement each other on the pitch.
...his targets with the Werkself in the coming season: I want to be a full part of the team. The experience, not just from me but also that the other experienced new signings bring, will help us take the young players with us. Everybody wants the team to be successful and to contribute to that development. I've been struck in the first sessions by the extremely positive energy from everybody.
Bayer 04 are in Bochum for their final away game of this Bundesliga season on Sunday (kick-off: 7.30pm CEST). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 33 encounter at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion.
Show moreBayer 04 Women are still in with a chance of finishing fifth in the Google Pixel Bundesliga after a 3-1 victory in Duisburg in their last away game of the season. Loreen Bender, Nikola Karczewska and substitute Synne Skinnes Hansen scored for Leverkusen against the already relegated hosts, moving onto 31 points. It means a win at home to Werder Bremen on the final day is needed to have a chance over overtaking Hoffenheim into fifth.
Show moreIf one club can remember what it feels like to win against the Werkself, then it’s Bochum. It’s almost exactly a year since the Ruhr club became the last team to inflict defeat on Bayer 04. Now Leverkusen head to the Ruhrstadion once again looking to make it 50 games unbeaten on Sunday (kick-off: 7.30pm CEST).
Show moreWerkself TV brings you the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-2 draw against AS Roma in the second leg of the semi-finals in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League campaign...
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