Back
2.03.2021Bayer 04

Jeremie Frimpong: ‘I was shocked'

It was a big step for the 20-year-old Jeremie Frimpong: After over ten years in the UK, the right back joined Bayer 04 from Celtic in the winter transfer window. In an online media interview at the start of the week, the Amsterdam-born defender talked about the reasons for the transfer to the Werkself and the importance of Neil Lennon who this week resigned as head coach of his former club in Scotland. Jeremie Frimpong on…
crop_20210301_JS_Medienrunde_0081.jpg

…his substitution due to injury in the home game against SC Freiburg (1-2): Fortunately, I haven't got any major pain. It's not serious. It will all be back to normal in a couple of days.

…the moment he first heard Bayer 04 were interested in him: I was shocked. (He laughs) I came from nowhere and didn't even have 18 months of professional football behind me. And now I'm here and I can play for a top club in the Bundesliga. It feels great!

…the reasons for his move to Leverkusen: The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world and is a great challenge for me. This move to Bayer 04 is exactly right for my development. The management at Leverkusen have lots of confidence in young players as we've seen so often in the past.

…his start at Bayer 04 and targets with the Werkself: It was very exciting for me to move to Germany. I've settled in now and I’m enjoying it here. Of course, the results on the pitch have been disappointing. But we are responsible for that ourselves and we're aware of it. We have to look forwards and work our way back game by game. The target in the Bundesliga is and remains qualification for the Champions League and that means finishing in the top four. That's what we’re aiming for.

crop_20210225_JS_B04_YB_0954.jpg

…clashes with top strikers such as World Player of the Year Robert Lewandowski or Erling Haaland: I always want to play against the best players in the world and show what I can do. I work hard on my game every day and I’m benefiting from the high level in training.

…the importance of Neil Lennon who gave him his first chances as a professional footballer at Celtic following his move from the Manchester City EDS team in the autumn of 2019: I was surprised when I heard about his resignation a few days ago. He's a great personality and has always given everything for the club. I will always have a special memory of him because he gave me my first chance in professional football. He supported me and gave me advice. I'll always be grateful to him for that.

Related News

Frauen unterliegen nach frühem Elfmeter-Treffer der TSG Hoffenheim | 19. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 22.02.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 0-1 loss against TSG Hoffenheim

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 0-1 loss against TSG Hoffenheim on the 19th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Vanessa Fudalla
Women - 22.02.2026

Bayer 04 Women lose 1-0 at home to Hoffenheim

The Bayer 04 Women suffered a setback in the race for third place in the Bundesliga table. Coach Roberto Pätzold's team lost 1-0 at home to direct rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday afternoon, with a penalty after two minutes deciding the match. With 32 points and a game in hand, TSG have moved above the Werkself, who remain on 31 points. There is now a three-week international break before the remaining seven Bundesliga matches.

Show more
Loïc Badé gegen den 1. FC Union Berlin
Bayer 04 - 22.02.2026

Muscle injury sidelines Bayer 04 defender Loïc Badé

Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without defender Loïc Badé for the time being. The Frenchman suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh in Saturday’s 1-0 Bundesliga defeat at FC Union Berlin. The diagnosis was the result of an MRI scan this Sunday morning.

Show more
Sondertrikot
Bayer 04 - 22.02.2026

Love that lasts a lifetime. Bayer 04 present special edition jersey marking 50th anniversary of fan clubs Under the Cross

It is an expression of solidarity and a tribute to the unique fan culture Under the Cross: Bayer 04 Leverkusen make a special statement with the "50 Years of Fan Clubs" jersey. To mark the founding of the "First Fan Club 1976 Leverkusen", which was followed by many more over the years right up to the present day, the Bundesliga club is commemorating 50 years of passion with this new jersey. Highs and lows, successes celebrated together as well as defeats suffered are manifested in this piece of white fabric, a symbol of unwavering identification with the Werkself.

Show more