Paulo, welcome back to Leverkusen! What does it feel like to be here again?
Paulo: I'm very happy to be back in Leverkusen. I played here 30 years ago and experienced so much in this stadium and this city. It's always great to come back.
This week has been very good and intense for Bayer 04 so far. The Werkself sealed a place in the DFB-Pokal semi-final on Tuesday. It was a real cup thriller against Stuttgart. Did you see the game?
Paulo: Of course. I watched the game at home in Brazil. I posted something about it on Instagram as I was really proud. It was a very difficult and tough but also a very good match. I think everybody who loves football can enjoy a great game like that.
You joined Leverkusen shortly after the DFB-Pokal win in 1993. The club now has the chance to achieve something great in three competitions again. How do you rate Leverkusen's chances this season?
Paulo: The team is playing incredibly good football at the moment. You can see the influence of Xabi (Xabi Alonso, ed.) and feel the winning mentality he gives the team. The chances this season are very good. That wasn't always the case in recent years. It's really good fun watching the team play football this season. I think it's brilliant.
The situation in the league is also good for Bayer 04 at the moment. Leverkusen are top of the table but Bayern are on the heels of the Werkself. Added together the two teams have 102 points and there's never been such a good leading duo after 20 games. How do see the game tomorrow?
Paulo: A big match of course! The recent games between the two teams are always top matches where both teams play on the front foot without any fear and with lots of courage. I'm hoping for the same thing tomorrow.
We’ll see the best defence play the best attack tomorrow as well as the top players in all statistics such as goalscorers, providers and pass completion etc. How exciting and high-quality do think the game will be?
Paulo: I think the team that makes less mistakes will win the game tomorrow. For example, the second goal conceded on Tuesday against Stuttgart came from an error that was punished immediately. The team have to be focused at all times – particularly against Bayern tomorrow. But Xabi knows that. He has played against Bayern and also for Bayern and now he meets them as a coach. He has lots of experience and knows that an error particularly in midfield or in defence can be crucial.
What does the tight title race say about the quality of the league?
Paulo: I live in Brazil and when you hear so many people talking about the Bundesliga and Leverkusen it makes me very happy. Stuttgart are also having a good season. It's a very good time for the Bundesliga and its particularly great fun for all spectators who watch the Bundesliga.
How do you follow Leverkusen in Brazil?
Paulo: Of course, Leverkusen have been well known in Brazil for a long time. At the moment three of four TV broadcasters show the games. I think people are very happy that Leverkusen are top of the table and playing such beautiful football.
Your German is good. Have you heard of the term 'Vizekusen'? If you think forward to May do you believe that term can be laid to rest?
Paulo: Yes, I'm aware of that term – and it's not nice. (laughs) It started when I was playing. I came here in 1993 and was really motivated. We were runners-up for the first time in the 1996/97 season. And we all know what happened in the following years. (laughs) But I think this will be a successful season for the Werkself. At least I hope so and I've got my fingers crossed.
