
Kerem, the 2-1 victory over Porto was the fourth win in succession. How confident is everybody ahead of the clash with FC Augsburg?
"Of course, a run like that builds confidence. We can go into the game on the front foot. But the match against Augsburg starts with the score at 0-0. We'll have to put in as much effort as we did against Porto to win this game. It won’t be a walk in the park."
You played the full 90 minutes on Thursday and provided the assist for the opening goal. What's your assessment of the game looking back after a couple of days?
"It was disappointing to concede a goal. Particularly as the foul, that led to the free kick ahead of it being 2-1, definitely wasn't right. It was a mistake by the referee. But I'm sure we can put on a very good display in Porto and get on the score sheet."
In Florian Niederlechner, Augsburg have the third highest goalscorer in the Bundesliga in their ranks. How will you stop him on Sunday?
"We need to concentrate more on ourselves. Of course, the coaches will prepare us very well for the opponents once again but we're playing at our ground and in front of our own fans. We want to control the game and win it at the end of the day."
Augsburg haven’t won the last two games and are mid-table. What sort of opposition are you expecting?
"They're a team that play well in transition. Therefore, we definitely need to avoid making mistakes in possession in our build-ups. And we want to play our game. We'll have to do a lot off the ball to create space and to make ourselves available for team-mates. That worked against Porto so long may it continue."
There are some crucial weeks ahead. The mood in the team could hardly be better, wouldn't you say?
"Of course, a run of wins does have an effect on the atmosphere in the dressing room. But much more important than a good atmosphere is the desire for success. We are still in three competitions but haven't achieved anything yet. So it's all about carrying on."

In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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