
But there was more to do after that. Bellarabi made his way to the hotel lobby for the first "04 questions from others, 04 questions from you." In his interview he talked about his time in rehab, looks to the future and answers fans questions submitted via Facebook and Twitter.
Karim, you were the fastest in the lactate test today. To be honest: How tough was it?
Karim Bellarabi: "It was really hard work – even though it was just running. But you're pushed right to the limit in the lactate tests and it can be tough. But everything went well and it was fun. I'm just glad to be back again."
Are you 100 per cent fit again?
Karim Bellarabi: "I feel really good and there’s no sign of the injury. I don't have problems from that point of view. If you want to put it as a percentage then perhaps I'm at 95 or 96 at the moment. I'll definitely make up the rest."
What did you most look forward to during your time in rehab?
Karim Bellarabi: "I just wanted one thing: to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. That's why I went there every day and put myself through the mill. But it's certainly been worth it!"
Following that difficult period: How much are you looking forward to the training camp and, above all, the second half of the season?
Karim Bellarabi: I'm really keen! The facilities here in Orlando are great and it's perfect for us to prepare for the second half of the season. We want to fight all the way!"
@alexis_M_29 Who was the most important coach for you in your career?
Karim Bellarabi: "There are two: firstly, Roger Schmidt but also Thorsten Lieberknecht from Braunschweig. I really learned a lot from both of them and developed a lot."
@Crash22Crash Have you ever faced an opponent quicker than yourself?
Karim Bellarabi: "I haven’t met one so far. (He laughs) No, that's a joke. Of course, there are lots of opponents who who are fast but nobody in particular springs to mind."
Markus Ernst: What do you think the chances are of qualifying for the Champions League again?
Karim Bellarabi: "The fact is we're ninth at the moment. But it's also a fact that we want to move up the table as quickly as possible. We want to do our best in the second half of the season and then see what happens at the end of the day."
Markus Sosnov: What tattoos have you got and what they mean to you?
Karim Bellarabi: "First, I have a tattoo of my mother and it's clear what that means. Then I've got an anchor and that represents my home town of Bremen. And I have a wing on each arm and that's supposed to symbolise an eagle because that's my favourite animal.”


A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.
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The Bayer 04 U19s have extended their winning run with a fifth consecutive victory on Matchday 5 of the DFB Youth League’s preliminary round. Coach Patrick Greveraars’ side secured a 3–2 (2–1) win in their match against second-placed FC Viktoria Köln, with Burak Kir and Nebe Domnic scoring for the hosts in the first half before captain Ben Hawighorst found the net after the break.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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