Back
23.02.2020Bundesliga

Demirbay: Augsburg game 'won’t be a walk in the park'

After Porto comes Augsburg (today at 15.30 CET, live text commentary and Werks11 Radio at bayer04.de). In between the two games for the Werkself this week, we spoke to Kerem Demirbay about the Europa League tie, Augsburg’s dangerous striker and a crucial phase in the season...
20200201_tsgb04_OMG_6291.jpg

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."

 

Related News

Bayer 04-Frauen
Women - 28.07.2026

Bayer 04 confirmed as a DFB women’s talent development centre

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.

Show more
Andrea Natali
Bayer 04 - 28.07.2026

Andrea Natali joins AZ Alkmaar on permanent deal

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.

Show more
Luca Erlein
Bayer 04 - 27.07.2026

Bayer 04 loan Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.

Show more
3-1 win in Offenbach: A treat for the fans | Friendly
Werkself-TV - 25.07.2026

TV highlights of 3-1 win in friendly at Offenbach

Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-1 victory in the friendly match at Kickers Offenbach...

Show more
Moreira
Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

3–1 win in Offenbach: A treat for the fans

It’s always nice having your best friends round for a birthday! Bayer 04 made a guest appearance at Stadion am Bieberer Berg as part of Offenbacher Kickers’ 125th anniversary celebrations, and nearly 1,500 Werkself supporters accepted the invitation to this historic venue, joining the Offenbach crowd in celebrating the more than 45-year friendship between the clubs. On the pitch, the Werkself secured a 3–1 victory in the friendly against the fourth-tier Regionalliga side. The Leverkusen goals were scored by Christian Kofane (38’), Jonas Hofmann (48’) and Afonso Moreira (81’). Keanu Staude had put the hosts ahead in the first half (11’).

Show more