Lukas, how important was the victory coming from behind at Freiburg for building confidence?
A win like that always does you good. Even though we were lucky that the referee withdrew the red card against Sven Bender. That situation was a wake-up call for us. We showed courage, came back and deservedly won in the end. That also shows how we have developed as a team. We’ve lost games like that in the past.
You are unbeaten in the Bundesliga. Is that also a sign of defensive stability?
Definitely not just because the results. But we have conceded very few shots on goal from opponents. You can see that we’ve played together for a long time. Our overall defensive work is functioning much better than at the start of last season. We communicate with each other better and everybody knows what he has to do.
To what extent do you feel the team has recovered after the departures in the summer?
The departures have less to do with it. I’d like to still have Kai (Havertz, ed.) and Kevin (Volland, ed.) in our team. But the fact is others have to do more now. Also take on more responsibility. They’re getting their chance and they know how to use it. And that also helps the team to develop. We are on the right track but haven’t reached our target yet. Quite the opposite.
The current top five in the table is exactly the same as the top five last season. Do you think it will stay like that?
If it was up to me, gladly. Particularly if we are in the top four at the end. (He laughs) But you can’t afford to write off teams like Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg and, above all, Frankfurt. It’s all very tight.
Gladbach have a lot of quality and they were impressive in defence in the 1-0 win against Leipzig. What do you have to look out for against Borussia?
They have a lot of pace in the team and very good finishers in Thuram, Plea, Stindl and Co. It will be a big challenge for us. A real test for our team. Both in defence as well as in attack… But they will think the same about us.
Lucas Alario has scored five times in the last three Bundesliga matches. What’s your assessment of his development?
Lucas knows exactly where the goal is. A genuine fox in the box. And he has an outstanding goalscoring instinct. Not to forget: Now through good performances and his goals he has developed confidence and the team bring him into the game more. It’s very difficult to defend against him. I’m very happy he’s playing for us. (He laughs)
The whole of the BayArena Aktuell for the home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach is available HERE. The digital Werkself matchday magazine includes: Interesting facts on #B04BMG, news from other sections of Bayer 04 and a look at the draw for the second round of the DFB Cup, which is happening at the same time as the clash with the ‘Foals’. Log on and get in the mood for the big game!
The final whistle of the current 2025/26 season marks the end of a unique partnership for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. After more than three decades of collaboration and highly eventful times, the Bundesliga football club and the private brewery Bitburger are going their separate ways.
Show more
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
Show more
On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen are bringing back Kerim Alajbegovic, who joined Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2025. The Bundesliga club activated the buy-back option in the contract with the Bosnia international, who has enjoyed great success at the Austrian top-flight club since the start of the current season. Alajbegovic moved to Salzburg from the Leverkusen U19s last year. The 1.86-metre forward has signed a five-year contract at Leverkusen with a start date of 1 July 2026.
Show more
Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
Show more
