28.07.2026Football Academy

‘I wear my favourite club on my chest’: Kids’ press conference with Oermann and Berghoff

After the children from the Bayer 04 Football Academy grilled Janis Blaswich and Simeon Rapsch last week, another group of 20 young Werkself fans gathered at the BayArena press conference room on Tuesday afternoon, 28 July . This time, the kids directed their questions at Tim Oermann and Jonah Berghoff. Defender Oermann raved about his school days, whilst talented midfielder Berghoff revealed to the young footballers, amongst other things, who his favourite player is – and he is also at Bayer 04. To round things off, the pair naturally obliged with all requests for autographs and selfies.

Kids-PK mit Tim Oermann und Jonah Berghoff

Tim Oermann and Jonah Berghoff had only just taken their seats on the podium in the BayArena press conference room to thunderous applause, when the first questions from the young, up-and-coming journalists were already flying their way. They patiently answered the classic question “Messi or Ronaldo?” first – Berghoff opted for the Portuguese player, whilst Oermann chose the Argentine. The inquisitive audience then wanted to find out more about the personalities of the two Bayer 04 players.

"i like to take my cue from his style of play"

The question of whether the pair liked school sparked a difference of opinion: while Berghoff can hardly wait to finish his Abitur exams next year, Oermann – who is four years older – sees his school days in a slightly different light: “I do miss it sometimes. Enjoy it while you’re there.”

Opinions were more similar when it came to the pair’s favourite clubs. Berghoff, who has been playing for Bayer 04 since the U9s, was immediately certain: “I wear the club closest to my heart on my chest. I was already a big Bayer 04 fan before I came here. That hasn’t changed since then.” While Oermann is certainly fond of his home club, VfL Bochum, he said: “I also identify very strongly with Bayer 04”.

Unsurprisingly, Berghoff’s choice of favourite player also fell on a Werkself player: “Exequiel Palacios is very similar to me in terms of playing style – even though he’s, of course, still many, many steps ahead of me. I like his approach on the pitch and I like to model my own play on his.” The 18-year-old, however, named Oermann as his favourite team-mate – to which Oermann replied with a laugh: “Well, of course I’ve got to pick Jonah too.” Although the centre-back didn’t share Berghoff’s hobby of reading biographies of successful athletes, he did reveal that he enjoys going out with friends and drinking coffee.

FUN, selfies, autographs

To round things off, the question of how many World Cups the two Leverkusen players had already won provided a light-hearted moment. Berghoff replied with a smile: “Lots in my garden, but unfortunately none in real life yet.” Oermann was optimistic: “That’s sure to come in the next few years.”

Instead of the World Cup trophy, however, the lads ended up holding the children’s water bottles, football boots and shin pads this afternoon, and were busily signing autographs on them. Of course, a group photo was a must before the young footballers gave their idols an enthusiastic send-off.

Related News

Women - 28.07.2026

Bayer 04 confirmed as a DFB women’s talent development centre

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.

Bayer 04 - 28.07.2026

Andrea Natali joins AZ Alkmaar on permanent deal

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.

Bayer 04 - 27.07.2026

Bayer 04 loan Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.

3-1 win in Offenbach: A treat for the fans | Friendly

Werkself-TV - 25.07.2026

TV highlights of 3-1 win in friendly at Offenbach

Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-1 victory in the friendly match at Kickers Offenbach...

Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

3–1 win in Offenbach: A treat for the fans

It’s always nice having your best friends round for a birthday! Bayer 04 made a guest appearance at Stadion am Bieberer Berg as part of Offenbacher Kickers’ 125th anniversary celebrations, and nearly 1,500 Werkself supporters accepted the invitation to this historic venue, joining the Offenbach crowd in celebrating the more than 45-year friendship between the clubs. On the pitch, the Werkself secured a 3–1 victory in the friendly against the fourth-tier Regionalliga side. The Leverkusen goals were scored by Christian Kofane (38’), Jonas Hofmann (48’) and Afonso Moreira (81’). Keanu Staude had put the hosts ahead in the first half (11’).