Paulinho, thanks to the draw at Schalke 04, qualification for the Champions League is now in your own hands. How important is fourth place to you?
Getting the club into the Champions League was our main target from the start. And now it’s down to us to achieve that target on the pitch. The championship is in the home straight and we have to be on top of our game.
You certainly made your mark when you came on and you played a key role in the equaliser. How do you see your role at the moment?
I’m always ready to go when the coach needs me. Of course, I’d like to continue to get chances to play to maintain my rhythm. I’m in good shape and I think I can help the team with goals, assists as well as in defence.
It’s always been exciting against FC Köln in recent years. How do you think you should play?
It’s a derby. In a game like that, there are emotions that create energy and motivation is high. We definitely want to win. For our main target in the league but also for the fans.
FC Köln haven’t won since the restart. What methods do you want to use to break down Markus Gisdol’s team?
We have to use the situation and be brave. We’ve got so much strength up front and we should use it.
The games are coming thick and fast at the end of the season. How are your reserves of energy?
I’ve fully recharged my batteries. I’m not used to taking it easy, I always give my all. As I haven’t played that many games, I’m raring to go and help out.
The Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the England U21 international and European champion Jarell Quansah. The central defender joins Leverkusen from Premier League champions Liverpool on a contract to 30 June 2030.
Show moreA striking look and innovative design as an expression of a forward-looking partnership: With the official presentation of the current home jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and sports equipment manufacturer New Balance start a new era in tandem. For the first partnership with a professional German club, the American company from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a creative new interpretation of the Leverkusen club colours. A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting historical roots.
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