Back
23.03.2020Bayer 04

Tah: 'I'd like to inspire people'

The Werkself players have been at home in their own four walls since 18 March, supplied with individual training plans. Central defender Jonathan Tah spoke to the media at the weekend via Skype on his willingness to make donations and about passing time during the coronavirus crisis.
crop_20200201_NB_B04_gegen_Hoffenheim_72418.jpg

Jona, eight days ago you were playing in front of 50,000 fans at Ibrox. Now it feels like we're in a completely different time.
Definitely. The situation has changed completely. But we've got to make the best of things and try to deal with it to the best of our ability.

What's your daily routine at the moment?
It mainly consist of training sessions – I have to keep fit at the end of the day: weight training, mobility exercises. At the moment, I still go running outside. If we're not allowed to go out then I'll use a treadmill. I've got somebody with me for training to make sure I push myself to the limit and beyond – it would be too tough on my own.

What's particularly important at this time?
I'm no fan of panic as that can lead you to making wrong decisions in a situation like this. We should remain calm but be aware of the situation nevertheless. In general, we all need each other in these difficult times and we should show respect for others.

You've taken an active role and committed yourself to being a private donor to the Sepp Herberger Foundation at the DFB. How did that come about?
My thinking behind it was: I'll be the first to donate so I won't be the last. I'd like to inspire people to donate as well and play their part. At the same time, it's not at all about how much it is or just about donating money. You can also donate your time, for example by helping people with their shopping.

You live with your girlfriend and you keep in contact with members of your family via technical means. How is communication with each other at the moment?
In general, it's less about me getting infected. It's much more important to me that I don't infect anybody. I make sure I wash and disinfect my hands often. If I go for a run outside then I don't touch anything. I wouldn’t like anybody to have health problems because of me. My girlfriend is equally careful. Everybody should be alert and follow the rules.

 

Related News

Rudi Vollborn
Bayer 04 - 01.06.2026

Rudi recounts…: Vollborn’s June highlights

Rüdiger Vollborn has been at the club for 40 years, he holds the record number of Bundesliga appearances for the club (401) and is the only Bayer 04 player to have won both the UEFA Cup (1988) and the DFB Pokal (1993). And the Berliner stayed with the Werkself after ending his impressive playing career as he worked as a goalkeeping coach for the following nine years. Vollborn now works under the Bayer Cross as a fan liaison officer and club archivist. Since February 2021, the personal Black and Red lexicon takes Werkself fans under the heading of 'Rudi recounts...' on a brief trip through the history of Bayer 04 every month…

Show more
Foto: Dustin Buck (Mitte) mit Kim Falkenberg (Direktor Fußball/r.) und Bernd Korzynietz (Leiter Kaderplanung Jugend/l.).V.l.: Bernd Korzynietz (Head of Recruitment Youth), Jonah Berghoff und Kim Falkenberg (Direktor Fußball)
Bayer 04 - 29.05.2026

Bayer 04 award Jonah Berghoff professional contract

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 midfielder Jonah Berghoff ahead of schedule. The Germany U18 international has signed professional terms with the club to 30 June 2030.

Show more
Sommerfahrplan der Frauen
Women - 29.05.2026

Training kicks off in June: Bayer 04 Women's team summer timetable

Two months of preparation, five friendlies and the return of a familiar training camp location: After finishing fifth in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga last season, the Werkself will return to training on Tuesday, 23 June. Bayer04.de outlines the key dates in the 2026 summer timetable.

Show more
Grafik Wahl Spieler der Saison
Bayer 04 - 29.05.2026

Vote now for your 2025/26 Player of the Season

With sixth place at the end of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, Bayer 04 ended a season in the top third of the table for the ninth time in a row. While the Werkself were narrowly eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by eventual finalists Arsenal, the Black and Reds reached the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third season in succession. As in previous years, you once again have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app up to and including 11 June.

Show more