Diego, how are you doing in these exciting days for Bayer 04? How did you experience the Bundersliga title race?
Placente: I wrote to Exequiel Palacios straight away and told him that he and his teammates made me and all the Leverkusen fans feel very relieved when it was finally over. (laughs) There were many, many years where Bayer 04 had a very good squad and were often close to winning the championship, but in the end it never quite worked out. This season was different. I went to bed very happy that day.
You were also close to winning the German championship with Bayer 04 more than 20 years ago...
Placente: Yes, unfortunately it never quite worked out back then. We were often teased at away games by the opposing fans singing that we would never become German champions. Fortunately, that will never happen again. We lacked a bit of that final punch towards the end of the campaign. But it was never in doubt this season, the title is more than deserved.
There could be two more trophies this season. The week begins with the first of two cup finals on Wednesday evening in Dublin in the Europa League against Atalanta. What do you think of the Werkself's chances in this clash?
Placente: Atalanta are a very strong side physically, so it won't be easy. For me it's a 50:50 game, both can win. But of course my heart is with Leverkusen and I'll be cheering them on!
Three days later, the action continues with the DFB Pokal final against 1. FC Kaiserslautern in Berlin. It could be the crowning glory of what has already been a historic season...
Placente: The team have worked hard for this chance throughout the season. They have a lot of confidence, especially after winning the league. This title has been liberating, but they will by no means rest on their laurels. That's not their mentality.
Do you see any similarities between the team from the 2001/02 season and the current side?
Placente: Above all, it's these very special characters in the team; such an extraordinary season can only be achieved with mentally strong players. The playing styles of the two teams, on the other hand, are rather different, as are the starting positions: back then, we were the underdogs in pretty much every game and that's how we went into them, especially in the Champions League against the really big teams in Europe. The Leverkusen of today, no matter who they're up against, implement their own style and pay little attention to their opponents.
What message would you like to send to Bayer 04 fans at the end of this historic season?
Placente: I'd like to congratulate all the fans on winning the Bundesliga, you deserve it so much! Many, many people here in Argentina also support Leverkusen, they love watching the team's football. I'm proud of the players, the coaches, the club management and the fans - you've all done a terrific job so far! I hope and believe that you will carry on having similar success.
Bayer 04 remain unbeaten in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. After winning the opener against NK Celje, the Werkself followed that up on Thursday night with a 4–0 win away at the Polish champions Lech Poznan. Patrik Schick, who came on as a substitute early in the game, scored twice from the penalty spot, and Malik Tillman also found the back of the net before half-time. The second half was a more subdued affair, with Ibrahim Maza scoring late on to seal the final 4-0 scoreline.
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Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.
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A first for the Werkself: Today, Thursday 15 October (kick-off: 18:45 CEST), Bayer 04 face Lech Poznan for the first time on matchday 2 in the UEFA Europa League group. Although the Black and Reds have a flawless record against the only Polish opposition faced before, they must not underestimate the attacking ability and goal-scoring threat of the reigning champions from Poznan. Lech’s squad also includes two former Bundesliga players. Today's matchday news.
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Some 30 years on since their last European fixture in Poland, Bayer 04 cross the border for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash against Lech Poznan on Matchday 2 of the league phase on Thursday (kick-off: 18:45 CEST). Ahead of a first-ever meeting with Lech, head coach Carles Martínez and winger Nathan Tella spoke in Poznan about special memories and objectives.
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