Back
6.08.2024Bayer 04

Xhaka ahead of Arsenal friendly: 'Perception of Leverkusen in England different after last season'

For Werkself player Granit Xhaka the friendly at Arsenal on Wednesday, 7 August (kick-off: 19.00 CEST) means a return to a long-term former club. Ahead of the match against one of the top clubs in the Premier League, the midfield stalwart spoke to bayer04.de about the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium and the "remarkable" connection between the coaches of both teams.
crop_20240728_JS_Training_0004.jpg

04 questions for… Granit Xhaka.

Granit, what came to mind when it was clear we'd play Arsenal in a friendly?

Xhaka: Of course, it is special to go back to where I played for seven years. I had a brilliant time at Arsenal and I'm still in daily contact with lot of players and the staff. From the team that's Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus above all. Over recent few weeks I've not really been able to talk to them about the game but I have in the past few days. I'm really looking forward to seeing them all again."

Several hundred fans will follow you to London. What can they and you as a team expect at the Emirates Stadium?

Xhaka: It's a special stadium with a special feeling and typical English atmosphere. It gets extremely loud when the home team makes good moves. The Arsenal fans are definitely looking forward to a match at the highest level as are our fans. From a football perspective we’ll face a very strong opponent and that's a huge challenge for us – but also for Arsenal of course.

Granit Xhaka beim FC Arsenal

Is it special motivation for you to return to the Emirates having won two trophies?

Xhaka: The English see Leverkusen with different eyes after last season and the perception is completely different. Specifically for the friendly, the two trophies last season obviously don't bring as anything. In this part of the preseason it's primarily about all players staying fit, us going to the limit in every friendly and getting into the rhythm of matches at the highest level.

Two top coaches of a younger generation face each other in Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso. You've played for both of them. What makes them stand out?

Xhaka: The connection between them is remarkable for professional football: They grew up together in the same city (San Sebastian, ed.). They have their own ways and their own characters but fundamentally follow the same approach to the game. They want to play football and exert pressure on the opposition both on and off the ball. I'm sure both of them will have a great future as coaches.

Related News

Ticket-Infos
Bayer 04 - 14.07.2026

Tickets for the friendly fixtures in Nottingham and Newcastle

In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.

Show more
Azubi-Ehrung von Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 14.07.2026

Bayer 04 congratulate three female apprentices on successfully completing their apprenticeships

Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.

Show more
Das Trainerteam um Chefcoach Carles Martínez
Bayer 04 - 13.07.2026

Coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez confirmed

The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.

Show more
Teamfoto Deutschland U19
Youth - 12.07.2026

U19 European Championship in Wales: Germany, with Culbreath and Onyeka, lose out in final

The Germany U19 team were beaten 2-0 by record champions Spain in the final of the U19 European Championship in Wales. Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan at SV 07 Elversberg) were in the starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes.

Show more