
A lot of Bayer 04 followers on Twitter took part by posting the questions and we passed a selection on to the 27-year-old wizard on the wing for the Werkself.
How have you dealt with the late setback in the Leipzig game?
Karim Bellarabi: "It was obviously a very bitter defeat for us as we'd already done enough to earn a point. It was a real downer to concede the goal on 93 minutes. But everything moves on quickly in football and we've got a very important game on Saturday. That's what we're focusing on now."
How do you manage to remain positive in such a situation?
Karim Bellarabi: "Presumably every footballer experiences moments like that. We just have to accept the situation and look forward. Everything moves on so quickly."
The mood seems very relaxed in training. How does that come about?
Karim Bellarabi: "With just trying to be positive and making the best of every session. That's what we've got to do. We can only move forwards through positive energy and by concentrating on the next game."
Can you get a result against Bayern on Saturday?
Karim Bellarabi: "I think the game’s come at a very good time. Of course, Bayern are a very strong team but they've got to play Real Madrid home and away. We definitely want to get the best we can out of the match."
@JuliusD14: Who is quicker: Leon Bailey or you?
Karim Bellarabi: "A good question. Leon is also really quick and you see that in training every day. We haven't had a sprint race with each other yet. Perhaps we should try it out."
@LeverkusenUltra: How does it feel to score a goal and then hear your name?
Karim Bellarabi: "It's something very special every time. But of course – in our current situation – the most important factor is winning our games. So it doesn't really matter whether I score or somebody else. The main thing is we get the points."
@Luca081001: How did you get the shirt number 38?
Karim Bellarabi: "I've always had it. When I was at Braunschweig the number was there for me and I took it. Since then, everything's gone really well so I can hardly imagine playing with a different number. I've also got it tattooed on my upper arm."
@kev_leverkusen: What's your favourite game?
Karim Bellarabi: "We don't really have that much free time so I only play games when my friends are here. But then we really enjoy playing FIFA."


After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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