After rousing applause to greet Kerem Demirbay, his call for "Ask me whatever you want" drew an immediate response. Nearly every young football player in the room raised their arms. The midfielder provided detailed answers to the questions from the children for over half an hour.
The youngsters discovered that Demirbay’s relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso is "very good" and that he gets on best with Nadiem Amiri, Karim Bellarabi and Jonathan Tah in the Werkself squad. The 29-year-old was also asked about his goal celebration and Demirbay explained his personal ritual step-by-step.
The father of two clearly enjoyed answering the children's questions and afterwards he made himself available for an autograph session. The signature of the Bayer 04 player now adorns shirts, autograph cards, drinks bottles and socks belonging to the young football players. The perfect way to finish was a group photo with all the participants.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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