Benny, you've always described Leverkusen as your home in various interviews. On Saturday you play against Bayer 04 for the first time as a professional footballer. How do you feel about that?
It definitely feels different to other games. I played for Bayer 04 for 15 years and I went to school in Leverkusen. I know everything there inside out. It will feel funny to be in the away dressing room. Nevertheless: I'm really looking forward to the match!
Providing the infection rate allows it, there will be 6,000 spectators at the BayArena for the game. For the fans in the ground it will be the first Bundesliga home game in the stadium since the beginning of March. What's your memory of the Werkself fans? Are you looking forward to playing in front of them again?
There’s always a great atmosphere at Leverkusen as at most of the German stadiums. I particularly noticed the difference after my move to Monaco. Regardless of that: On the way to school I always used to go past the BayArena and every day I dreamed of being able to play there in front of fans one day.
Twelve years in the youth sides, three years in the first team: What’s your memory of your time at Leverkusen and which moments do you still particularly remember?
I've spent the majority of my life at this club. I still have a very special connection to Bayer 04. When the club management came to the Champions League draw in Monaco last year, we went out for a meal together. I also visited a number of former colleagues and youth coaches at Kurtekotten during the break enforced by the coronavirus pandemic in France.
How have you followed the Werkself over the past two years? What would you say about developments at the club?
I've watched lots of games. The team play really good football and always at a high level. On top of that, a number of players I'm in contact with said the coach and his playing philosophy fits in really well with Bayer 04.
You are not only involved with the Black Lives Matter campaign but are also involved locally in Leverkusen. For example, in the summer of this year you worked with the German Red Cross Society in Hitdorf in the district association of Leverkusen and donated an emergency vehicle for civil protection. Was it important to you to help out during these times of crisis?
I spoke to Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern, ed.) about his We Kick Corona campaign. I wanted to be part of it and help out in my home town of Leverkusen. So I looked round for what support was needed and noticed straight away how grateful people were. That really pleased me.
Let's move on to football: What sort of game do you expect on Saturday? Will it be an attacking exchange?
Both Leverkusen and us have brought in players who need to find their feet in the teams. I still think it will be a game played at a very high level. On matchday two it will set a standard and also be an absolute top match.
Where do you think your current and former clubs will be at the end of the season?
That's difficult to say. Our clear target is qualifying for the Champions League. I think Bayer 04 will have the same aim. If all goes well then both teams will finish in the top four.
Final question: Has there been any teasing with former teammates ahead of the game? Has Jona called you up?
I've spoken to Jona in the past few days. It wasn't just about nutmegs or the final result. We’re just really looking forward to seeing each other again after such a long time.
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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On Monday evening, 8 June, around 250 people came to the Bürgerhaus Baumberg at the invitation of Bayer 04 to find out details of the new plans for the campus on Alfred-Nobel-Straße at an information event. More compact, greener and with many advantages for Monheim am Rhein - those are the aims. There were lively discussions for around three hours and some misunderstandings were cleared up.
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Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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When Malik Tillman arrived at Bayer 04 Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven last summer, he did more than just add attacking midfield strength to the team — he reconnected the club with a unique and understated American lineage that stretches back more than three decades.
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Bayer 04 are away to third-division club SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal. That was the outcome of the draw on Saturday night, 6 June, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The Werkself first round tie will be played between 21 and 24 August. The exact date has yet to be finalised.
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