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.
Bayer 04 and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer have shown great commitment to the community as the sale of custom-designed T-shirts for charity in the Fanwelt as part of the “BarmeniaGothaer Brings Joy campaign raised a good €5,000. Bayer 04 matched this sum with an equal contribution. As a result, a total of €10,000 was presented to Edmond Tapsoba for his foundation ahead of the home match against Hamburg. The foundation supports people facing challenging daily circumstances in his home country of Burkina Faso.
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Bayer 04 host Hamburg at the BayArena for the first time since September 2017 on the final day of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season on Saturday (15:30 CEST). HSV are safe in their first campaign back in the top flight after back-to-back wins, but Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last 19 games against promoted teams as they go for the victory they need to have a chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. There’s also heavy discounts on food and drinks at the BayArena. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 fixture in our matchday news.
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As well as previously confirmed departures, Bayer 04 Women will also say goodbye to Vanessa Haim and Shen Menglu before Sunday’s final game of the season at home to Werder Bremen as the pair leave Leverkusen upon the expiration of their contracts.
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The last competitive match of the 2025/26 season takes place at the BayArena on Saturday 16 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), where Hamburger SV are the visitors. At the pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand discussed the mindset and the approach for the crucial final game against HSV, among other topics.
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