
… his current daily training routine: I don't see a problem with the training sessions changed by hygiene measures. For us, it's primarily and, above all, for the outfield players about keeping fit and staying on top of your form. You can practice shooting in small groups as well. Work on tactics is mainly missing but I get on with the players in front of me so well that everybody will soon get back into the swing of things.
… goalkeeper Lennart Grill signed from FC Kaiserslautern: I'm looking forward to working with him. I've already seen quite a lot of him and he's a talented keeper. Of course, young and new players always want to be on the pitch. But it's exactly the same with me although I'm a bit older. At the end of the day, new competition always gives me an additional boost. And we goalkeepers work together in training as a group – so everybody benefits from it.
… the suspension of play due to the coronavirus pandemic: If I put the summer breaks to one side, then I've never had such a long time without playing. The whole thing is new to me and to us all. I'll be interested to see how the teams are after this time and I hope that we can get quickly back to the good form we had before the break.
…the postponement of his first European Championship with Finland by one year to 2021: I hope I can stay free of injury until then. Otherwise, I am relaxed about it. And, above all, I'd be happy to see spectators back in the grounds.

Bayer 04 were beaten 1-0 away at Union Berlin on Matchday 23 in the Bundesliga. Kasper Hjulmand’s side struggled to create clear chances, while the hosts struck the only goal of the game through Rani Khedira in the 28th minute.
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Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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