10.08.2025Bayer 04

Tape: 'Versatility is one of my great strengths'

New signing Axel Tape has impressed in his first friendlies for Bayer 04 with his cool approach and confidence. For the defender, signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, it is the first time he has played for another club other than the Champions League winners. The Frenchman consciously decided early in his career to make the move abroad to Bayer 04. Today, Sunday, Tape celebrates his 18th birthday. Bayer04.de spoke to him about his first weeks at Leverkusen, his versatile style of play and his targets for the year ahead.

04 questions to new signing and birthday boy Axel Tape...

Axel, what are your first impressions of the club, the surroundings and your new teammates?

Tape: I'm very happy to be here. Fitting in has gone perfectly from the start – regardless of whether that's with the coach and staff or my teammates. Although language is still a bit tricky I've got on brilliantly with everybody. Particularly with Martin Terrier and Jarell Quansah who I sit next to in the dressing room.

Why did you decide to move abroad at such a young age?

Tape: I think it was the best next step for me in my development and absolutely the right decision. Football in the Bundesliga is much more physical and intense than in France. Admittedly, I really got to feel that in the first training sessions here. (He laughs)

Did you expect everything to run so smoothly here from the start?

Tape: To be honest, I did to a certain extent. I know my qualities. Regardless of whether it's in defence or midfield, I feel good everywhere and I really enjoy everything. I think that versatility is one of my great strengths. I'm very happy that everything is going so well straightaway and I am excited to see where it leads to.

You've only just come of age. How have you managed to be so cool on the pitch and what are your wishes for your year ahead?

Tape: I always just try to play as I'm used to – regardless of highs and lows. And I also try to allow myself to be inspired by everybody around me. I have very good teammates here. What they do is setting an example for me and I try to learn from them every day. I'm very happy with what's happening to me in my life at the moment and I’m already looking forward to playing the first Bundesliga match at the BayArena in front of our fans.

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