Kai, you didn't produce your best performance against Stuttgart but are through to the quarter-finals. What's your assessment of the game a few days after the match?
We knew beforehand it would be a tough game. Stuttgart are in the second division and at the end of the day we've got more quality in our squad but it was the DFB Cup. The underdogs always have a chance. And Stuttgart played well. They sat back and were very compact in defence. That meant we had little space and they were able to play on the break. And they did that well several times. It definitely wasn't our best game in this competition although it's only really all about going through to the next round.
You were captain of Bayer 04 for the first time against VfB. How did you feel on the night?
Personally, it's obviously a great feeling. Being allowed to be captain of this team is, in my eyes, appreciation for the years of hard work for this club. It really means something to me to be able to lead the team onto the pitch as captain even if my first priority is to play football. And then it's not so important if I've got the armband or not.
Dortmund went out of the cup against Werder Bremen but have really impressed in the league with three wins and incredible power up front. How do think the game will turn out?
I've got a good feeling about the game. We can't afford to sit back and we have to be very confident. That will be necessary. For me, BVB are currently one of the best teams in the league along with Bayern and Leipzig. It will be a really tough task. But we'll do all we can to win the game.
How can you, as a team, keep on top of the outstanding BVB strikers Haaland and Sancho?
They've got a terrific attack. Don't forget Julian Brandt. I think he's a key factor in the recent run in the Bundesliga alongside Haaland and Sancho. Of course, it will be important to organise our overall defence but we should think about our own strengths first. In the first half of the season we showed we could dominate against Dortmund. We should build on that and use our chances better than in the first match this season.
You played alongside Julian 'Jule' Brandt at Bayer 04 for many years . But I suppose your friendship will be over for 90 minutes?
We’re good at separating the two things. I can remember our legendary clash on the console. (He smiles). On the pitch, we’ll do all we can to win for our teams and afterwards he will be very welcome to come into our dressing room.
Bayer 04 record-appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn invites you to another evening in the popular ‘Rudi lädt ein’ series: on Tuesday 10 November, in collaboration with Bayer AG, the focus will be on the Nazi period. The focus will be on football, Bayer 04 and the city of Leverkusen.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
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New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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