Paulinho after scoring brace: 'It's different in Europe'

…the win at Wolfsburg and his brace after coming on as a substitute on 81 minutes: It was a very important game for us. We definitely needed this win to retain third place and take a further step towards our clear target of Champions League qualification. Of course, it's even better that I played my part with the two goals. It felt good to score two goals again after such a long time. That's given me a lot of confidence for the next few weeks.

…his missed chances in the previous games against FC Köln and Atalanta: Of course, you want to take the chances when they come. And obviously you get annoyed when it doesn't work out. But it doesn't influence me over the long term if I don't score. It’s more important to remain focused and learn from the past games and experiences for the future. Everybody backed me up and said they still believed in me. I will continue to work hard and do my best.

…A possible difference between his performances in training and in matches: It's difficult for most players to switch between the starting line-up and the bench. That's not as common in Brazil and South America in general. There you have a set group of eleven or twelve players who almost always play. It's different in Europe. I'm aware of that, I accept it and I can handle it. The basic thing of course: If you give your all in training then you'll be rewarded for that more often in games.

…his relationship with head coach Gerardo Seoane: He helps me and all other players a lot and his ability to speak lots of languages is a great advantage for us. In terms of training, Gerardo and his colleagues again and again work with us forwards on certain situations in front of goal and they prepare as best they can for the matches.

…his preferred positions on the pitch: I've played on the left and on the right and also as a 10 under Peter Bosz. I can play in any position where the coach puts me. I always aim to help the team.

…his previous brace against Eintracht Frankfurt in March 2020: I can still remember the game well. At that time we played with two up front and I was one of them most the time. So, I was often closer to goal than now where we wing players have to work back more – particularly when we lose possession.

…discussions with youngster Florian Wirtz who tore a cruciate a week and a half ago as did Paulinho in the summer of 2020: We've obviously talked to each other. It's a tough time for a young player like him. I know how he feels. But injuries are part of football. The support from his family is as big as it was for me back then. He's got to fully focus on rehab. I'm sure that Flo will come back at least as strong.

…his contract at Leverkusen that runs out in the summer of 2023: At the moment, I'm just concentrating on the last seven games of the season. We'll take our time after the end of the season to talk about the contract and then make the best decision for the club and for me. I can only say that I felt really happy in Germany and at this club from the start and it’s just like that today. The fans, teammates and staff have all been really good to me.