“I love this competition. The cup is great,” Hjulmand beamed at his pre-match press conference. “We’re ready and want to do all we can to reach the semi-finals,” he added. When asked about being favourites to progress, the Dane responded, “I haven’t thought about it. I’ve got too much respect for our opponent. They made things tough for us in the league meeting, but we need to play our game tomorrow and show our identity.”
Hjulmand also had a smile when he replied to questions about potentially winning the trophy. “My children always ask: What have you won? And we’ve got a big chance here. It’s just three more wins. That’s a big motivation for the team and the club,” the 53-year-old stated.
He later spoke positively about his players attitude, always looking at “what they can improve. We’re not fully pleased with a win and not devasted by a defeat. We always focus on the performance.”
“He won’t play tomorrow but should be back for Saturday, if things go well,” Hjulmand explained of Ibrahim Maza. Apart from him, Nathan Tella, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Mark Flekken, the whole squad is fit and ready.
In addition, the coach talked about options on the right. “Arthur played extremely well in Frankfurt. So too did Lucas Vázquez against Villarreal and Bremen. One has good pace, the other has experience and game intelligence.” Given the packed fixture list this month, he’s pleased to have such good options at his disposal. “We’ve got lots of games in a short space of time. We need every player.”
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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