
…the unusual stadium atmosphere without fans: We had the chance to see it at other games over the weekend. It is different in front of the television compared with the stadium. But we knew more or less what to expect and were well prepared. It was unusual, it felt like you could hear every step. It reminded me of indoor football when I was a teenager.
…the continued run of six Bundesliga games without defeat: We were in an outstanding phase before the suspension of play. Of course, it did us good to be able to get straight back on track in Bremen by winning the game. Physically it was different from the time before the break. I very much felt the strain after two months without playing and without competition. In the short time we've had training together, we have been able to simulate a few things but obviously you don't have the same number of competitive situations as before. For the first game – also under the circumstances – we did well yesterday.
…the fixture list after the restart with four games in 12 days: The phase will be intensive. We'll definitely notice that. But I'm glad about it. As we have the chance of quickly getting back to our original fitness level.
…maintaining distance for goal celebrations: I don't really have to think too much about that as I don't score very often (he laughs). Everything is different at the moment. Everybody is aware of the situation and we try our best. But I can understand if one or two people embrace in spite of that. Football lives from emotions – it's always been like that and it will remain like that over the next few weeks as well.
…depth in the squad and the rule change from three to five substitutions per game and club: We've seen throughout the second half of the season that we've got a fantastic bench and a strong squad. That can pay off over the rest of the season. Everybody is prepared to use their time on the pitch and give their all. That's been our trademark before the suspension. I hope it continues to be the same for the next few weeks.
…Florian Wirtz, who is the youngest Bundesliga debutant at Bayer 04 since yesterday (17 years, 15 days): I feel like it’s is only yesterday when I was on the other side at that age (he laughs). The lads get younger and younger and are already very talented very early on. Flo showed what he could do in the first training sessions. He wasn't fazed at all in the game. A lot of people will have a lot enjoyment from him. He's quickly settled into the team. Now we'll help him take the next steps.
…Saturday's top match at Borussia Mönchengladbach: Gladbach were impressive against Frankfurt. They're very strong this season – but so are we. Two very good teams face each other. If we want to stay in the leading group then we'll have to get a result. That's our target.

Bayer 04 have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the Bundesliga 2 club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie for the rest of 2025/26.
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Following on from the emotional last-minute win at Union Berlin, the Bayer 04 Women now face a promoted team: On Saturday, 31 January (12:00 CET), coach Roberto Pätzold's team welcome FC Nürnberg to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for their first home game of the new year. In their second season in the Bundesliga, the Franconians have impressed with 16 points from the first 15 games.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with Germany U19 international Montrell Culbreath. The attacking midfielder and right winger has penned a deal with the Bundesliga club that runs to 30 June 2030. Culbreath has played for the Werkself as a youth player since 2023. Last December, he scored his first Bundesliga goal for the Leverkusen first team in the Bayer 04 3-1 away win at RB Leipzig.
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The Werkself's 3-0 victory over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League certainly left many happy faces: Malik Tillman was delighted with his brace, Robert Andrich with the clean sheet and coach Kasper Hjulmand with the "manner" of this significant home win. With an overwhelming superiority and over 75 per cent possession at times, Bayer 04 deserved their place in the UCL play-off round. They will face a familiar foe in February. The Werkself review.
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