'Play an important role': Buendía and Hermoso face the media

Buendía: "looking forward to hard work"

Emiliano Buendía on…

…his first days at Bayer 04: My first impressions are very positive. Of course, it helps that a lot of people here speak Spanish. But I also speak English so I can communicate with everybody. In addition, I'd like to learn bit of German. I think it's very important to speak the language when you come to a new place. Also so you can communicate with the fans. The first training session was very good too. You can see the influence Xabi Alonso has on the team straightaway. I'm really impressed with that. Now I'm looking forward to hard work.

…last Wednesday when it was still unclear if the Werkself or Aston Villa would go straight through to the Champions League Round of 16: I watched the Leverkusen game here at the BayArena with my father. The atmosphere was really good and it was very exciting (Aston Villa were level on points in ninth place but with less goals scored than the Werkself, ed.). Of course, I wanted Bayer 04 to win and stay in the top eight. I also followed the Villa game at the same time. But I think both clubs can be happy. Both are in the top eight.

…the Bundesliga and the reputation of Bayer 04: The Bundesliga is a very physical and competitive league with lots of quality. It’s always interested me. And Bayer 04 as a club too. Of course, I know Leverkusen as it’s a club that has always attracted South American and Spanish-speaking players. I've met with some of the former players in the past and recently played alongside Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey at Aston Villa. Leon told me he really enjoyed his time at Bayer 04. I think Leverkusen are a very strong team on the European stage. Last season obviously brought this club up to another level.

…on Florian Wirtz  and his own style of play: Florian is a world-class player as he shows in every game. The chance of being on the pitch with him is fantastic. He has a style that I have too. I'm an attacking midfielder who provides assists and can build a connection with my teammates. I'm 100% ready and I want to help as soon as possible.

Hermoso: "I think i'll fit in well here"

Mario Hermoso on…

…his first impressions of the Werkself: You can feel straightaway how much fun and joy there is at this club and I'm looking forward to being part of this team. I spoke to Mats Hummels (AS Roma, ed.) about the Bundesliga. He always really praised the atmosphere at German stadiums. The weather perhaps less so. (he laughs). But otherwise he told me very positive things.

…the perception of Bayer 04 in Spain and Italy: Bayer 04 have a very good reputation. Talented and good players, who also played for their national teams, have played here for ages. Last season obviously attracted a lot of attention. What Xabi Alonso has achieved with Bayer 04 is very special. He was a top player who played in Spain for years and also for the national team while they were experiencing their most successful phase of all time. He has a clear idea and I like the way he can convince his players. I like the way the team plays and it was always fun watching this team last season. I think I'll fit in well here.​

…his targets with the German double winners: I'd like to be an important player here and play an important role. I'm strong physically and mentally, a leader type and I'd like to help the club who are already on the right track. I'm also looking forward to playing on the left side with Grimaldo. The connection to the fans is also important to me. The BayArena is a great stadium and even better of course when its full. As a player, you can again and again feel the fans are there because they influence the players on the pitch and can really motivate the team.