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.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-2 loss against VfL Wolfsburg on the 2nd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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Bayer 04’s eight opponents in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League have been confirmed. At the draw on Friday 28 August held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, the Werkself were drawn against two opponents from each of the four pots. There are a total of four home and four away matches. Read on for details of opponents and fixture dates.
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In the 3-2 defeat at Bundesliga newcomers SV 07 Elversberg, the Werkself found the back of the net in the closing stages and, with a bit of luck, could still have equalised. “Today, our play wasn’t good enough, particularly when it came to the basics,” said head coach Carles Martínez. Like the boss, Ibrahim Maza also wants to learn from the match and look ahead: “Next week, people should be able to see from the very first minute that we want it more than our opponents.” The Werkself review on the Bundesliga opener in 2026/27.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-3 loss at SV 07 Elversberg on Matchday 1 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season...
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No points to start the league campaign: Bayer 04 lost 3-2 away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg in the first Bundesliga match of the 2026/27 campaign. Two quick-fire goals from Lukas Petkov (8’) and Cole Campbell (10’) gave the hosts an early lead, before David Mokwa scored the Saarland side’s third shortly after half-time (46’). In the closing stages, the Werkself rallied and staged a late comeback with goals from Patrik Schick (77’) and Christian Kofane (90+1’), but the Black and Reds were denied an equaliser.
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