Hello Renato, the global coronavirus pandemic started in China, the country you’re living in now. The Chinese Super League is currently suspended like the Bundesliga. Have you decided to stay in China?
When the coronavirus pandemic broke out, I wasn’t in China and I didn’t even think of going back. The season hadn’t even started. We were in the middle of the pre-season in Spain when we heard about coronavirus and its effects. We were given time off and were able to fly back home. And the Chinese weren’t allowed to return to China. We only played one game in the Champions League because it was in Thailand.
How are you keeping fit?
I’m at home in Rio de Janeiro. I’ve set up my own fitness studio and I’m working with coaching staff via the Internet. I’m doing my training sessions every day and trying to keep fit through that.
Do you know if and when your league will start again?
There are lots of rumours about what’s happening with the Chinese league. Some say the cup will be put back and we’ll just finish the championship. Others say only the first half of the season will be played. While others say there’ll be a sort of qualifying competition involving eight teams followed by knockout rounds. But nothing has actually been decided as yet.
Your two fellow countrymen Paulinho and Wendell, currently playing for the Werkself, are also on a break now. Have you continued to watch the pair playing for Bayer 04?
It’s a bit harder to watch the games due to the time difference. Not all Bundesliga games are shown on Chinese TV. But, if I’ve got the time, I try to watch a game or two and get into it. Of course, it’s a club that was very special for me and is very close to my heart.
Kai Havertz is playing a similar role in attacking midfield for the Werkself as you did for many years. What’s your assessment of his development?
I can’t watch that many games. But, I really like what I’ve seen of him. He has quality, technique and is good at finishing. I think he can be one of the best players in the world in a few years – and he’s definitely one of the best players in the Bundesliga.
And finally: At Beijing Sinobo Guoan, you played under coach Roger Schmidt for two seasons – how did that work out? And did the two of you talk about Bayer 04?
I had a very good relationship with Roger. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with and I really learned a lot from him. I was able to develop as a player and a person. It’s a pity I didn’t work with him at Bayer 04. We often talked about Leverkusen. About the place, the club and the friendships we made there. Leverkusen was often a subject of our discussions.
The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
Show moreContinuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed centre forward Christian Kofane. The 18-year-old Cameroonian joins Leverkusen from Spanish second tier club Albacete on a contract to 30 June 2029.
Show moreFirst away to the champions, then at home to a newly promoted club: The Werkself fixtures for the 2025/26 season in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga have been confirmed. A week after the season opener away to Bayern Munich in front of 25,000 fans at the Allianz Arena, the team led by coach Roberto Pätzold entertain newly promoted Union Berlin. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Friday. The opening match in Munich is on Saturday, 6 September (kick-off: 17:45 CEST) and the first home game on matchday 2 will be played between 12 and 15 September. The new season, with 14 top-flight teams instead of 12, ends for the Black and Reds with a home game against Werder Bremen on 17 May 2026.
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