Hello Adrian, how did it come about that you’re in the Bundesliga Home Challenge with Kai?
In the middle of February, ‘Deto’ and I played against Lucas Alario and Wendell during a PR day and we won 2-0. I don’t know whether the win was down to me (he laughs). When the request came from Florian Dederichs (head of internationalisation and eSports at Bayer 04, ed.) a few days ago, I was happy to say yes.
Professional football is suspended at the moment due to the coronavirus pandemic. Have you used your time over the past few days to train on the console?
I mainly spend my time training for real football at the moment and keeping myself as fit as possible. I push the treadmill onto the terrace and train in the garden in the fresh air. Of course, I’ve played a few games on PlayStation over the past few days since I got the thumbs-up but I’m just looking to have fun with it.
What tactics do you prefer on the console?
I used to play PlayStation 2 and 3 as well as FIFA. Over the years, I’ve noticed I’m more of a counter-attacking player who wants to quickly bag a couple of goals and then sit back – I’m not good at holding onto the ball in virtual football. But I’ll definitely ask Kai for one or two tips before the game.
Do you reckon you might get one or two messages from your teammates if you lose to the Darmstadt player Felix Platte?
They’ll definitely get in touch if I do lose… (he laughs)
On the Bundesliga Home Challenge:
The DFL Bundesliga Home Challenge is an eSports tournament with 26 clubs from the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 taking part. Each club has a team made up of at least one first team player and a person “from the relevant club or closely linked to it.” The duos – each of them at home – play online in two individual games on the football game FIFA 20 and on PlayStation 4 (‘85-mode’). The matches will be broadcast on the Virtual Bundesliga YouTube channel and the clashes involving Bayer 04 will also be on the ‘b04esports’ Twitch channel. Bayer 04 TV will also show highlights.
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
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A new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
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The Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
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Bosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
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