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.
Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
Show more
Plenty going on both on and off the pitch: The Bayer 04 fan support team has organised a number of highlights for fans visiting the Werkself 2026/27 summer training camp in Blankenhain, in the Weimarer Land region. Registration for the events is now open. All the details at a glance.
Show more
The Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team and s2-Software are continuing their long-term partnership: The Werkself and the provider of pre-owned Microsoft licences have extended their contract by two years to 2028. This means s2-Software will remain the Bayer 04 sleeve sponsor for all matches in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga.
Show more
BIOGENA is the new performance partner for the Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team. Under a partnership initially set to run for three years, the club and the leading Austrian micronutrient company are pooling their expertise in the areas of health, fitness and top-level performance.
Show more
