Back
24.07.2021Bayer 04

New signing Bakker: 'The lads make me feel great'

Mitchel Bakker made his debut in a Werkself shirt in the goalless friendly against SC Freiburg at the end of the training camp in Salzburger Land. The 21-year-old summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain played for over an hour. In his first press interview, the left back, signed two weeks ago, shared his views on…
crop_20210722_JS_Trainingslager_Tag7_0478.jpg

…his own style of play: I'd describe myself as an attack-minded full-back. I love getting the long diagonal passes from the centre out onto my left flank and then taking the ball with me to provide a goal threat up front.

…areas of his game he wants to work on in the coming weeks and months: I'm still very young and I can learn a lot: I'm aware of that. I can see room for improvement in certain situations in defence – and in terms of heading ability. Clearing the ball at the back isn't a problem. But I think I can pose more of a threat in attack, for example at corners. I've never scored with my head. (He laughs)

…his last season at Paris Saint-Germain where he played 40 games for the top French club: I played a lot under Thomas Tuchel (head coach at PSG up to December 2020, ed.). I played alongside the best players in the world in Paris and was on the training ground with them every day. I was able to pick up a lot, for example from players like Thiago Silva. Now I'm happy to be here and I want to play my part in this club's success.

…his targets with and at Bayer 04: I want to win every game if possible and play for the club in the Champions League. My aim is to be on the pitch week by week and help the team as much as I can.

 

20210723_JS_Trainingslager_Tag8_B04_SCF_1055.jpg

…his impression of Germany's top flight: The Bundesliga is a great league with a higher intensity than in France. Every game is hard-fought and there's plenty of competition. I'm really looking forward to finally getting started in a few weeks time.

…the team structure within the Werkself : The first days were great fun. Everybody made it as easy as possible for me and explained how things work. I know Daley (Sinkgraven, ed.) from my time at Ajax and I played alongside Jeremie (Frimpong) in the youth national team. They helped me a lot as well. All the lads make me feel great and I can hardly wait to be on the pitch with them in the Bundesliga.

 

Related News

Birthday Schick Free Jersey Print
Fans - 24.01.2026

For Schick's milestone birthday: free print and jersey giveaway

Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Bundesliga-Heimspiel gegen den SV Werder Bremen | 19. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 23.01.2026

Hjulmand ahead of #B04SVW: ‘Get into the game better than last time’

The Werkself are looking for the first win of the new calendar year: Ahead of the sold-out Bundesliga home match against SV Werder Bremen on Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET), head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about taking chances, possible winter transfers and a “Lion" returning to the Leverkusen matchday squad.

Show more
Jens Stage und Horst Steffen
Bundesliga - 23.01.2026

Our next opponents: A difficult time for the Green and Whites

Werder Bremen play Bayer 04 for the 90th time in the Bundesliga this Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The overall record so far still favours the Green and Whites, who have 28 wins against the Black and Reds (with 25 defeats and 36 draws). The visit to the BayArena marks the start of a crucial busy week for Werder Bremen with clashes against TSG Hoffenheim and Borussia Mönchengladbach to follow. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Marc Landwehr
eSports - 23.01.2026

#B04eSports: Nine points and big wins at start of Showdown four

A great start to the new eSports year as the Leverkusen professional gamers pick up nine points in the first three of six matches in the online preliminary round of the fourth showdown of the VBL Club Championship 2025/26. Between big wins, wonder goals and composed performances, there was plenty on offer against VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and FC Augsburg.

Show more