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!
Just in time for the start of the school year, everyone was hard at work again at NaturGut Ophoven. For the 21st time, Bayer 04 have supported the annual ‘BioBrotbox’ campaign, which puts together a healthy breakfast for first-year primary school pupils in Leverkusen – and not only contributed 1,904 muesli bars but also plenty of enthusiasm too: Together with the U19 players Burak Kir and Clinton Wilson, Emily Wallrabenstein and Paulina Platner from the Women’s Bundesliga team helped with the packing. The latter was clearly delighted “that Bayer 04 are helping out with regional projects like this and showing their commitment to the local community”.
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A group of about 50 members of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visited Leverkusen over the past few days, accompanied by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sergio and Luiz Felipe (managing director of academy in São Paulo) for a week full of football, encounters and very special insights. In addition to the Bundesliga away game in Elversberg and the home game against Union Berlin, the visit also featured a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy in Leverkusen and a tour of the Bayer AG facilities. The guests also gained special insights into the club and the world of Bayer 04.
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The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.
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“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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