
Bastian, what's your assessment of the season so far?
We're very happy overall up to now. We've been able to develop a new DNA. Particularly after a poor season last term, we owed our fans a lot.
You're playing for Schalke against your former club Bayer 04 on Saturday on matchday 14. Is this game special for you?
Of course, Bayer 04 are my hometown club. I went there when I was ten so it's always special to play against them – above all at the BayArena. I will often went there as a kid and I'll definitely see one or two familiar faces again on Saturday.
What sort of game are you expecting?
Leverkusen are a very strong side as they've very often shown this season. We are definitely up against one of the best teams in the league on Saturday. We'll have to be on top of our game to get a result.
You were born in Bergisch Gladbach and grew up in the region. How much support will you have in the stands at the weekend?
My family still lives in Bergisch Gladbach. Everybody goes to the game when we play at Leverkusen. So I'll have to organise some tickets again for Saturday.
You were in nearly all the youth teams at Bayer 04. Is there one particular highlight that stands out from that time?
I'll never forget the U19 Bundesliga final against Bayern Munich (2006/07, ed.). We played in front of 22,000 crowd at the BayArena and won 2-1 after extra time. That was particularly special – above all at such a young age.
Finally, the obligatory question: What's your prediction for the game against your former club?
I obviously hope we win and I think we can do it by a one-goal margin.

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.
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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.
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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.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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