Juliette, you started in your first game for Bayer 04 – in the 3-2 opening win at Freiburg. What was your Bundesliga debut like?
Vidal: I was nervous but full of anticipation at the same time. The team had great energy on the pitch and the mentality of never giving up. Fortunately that paid off in the end. The fact the game was so physical suited my style of play. Now I'm looking forward to our next challenges.
Do you know the background to your surname in Leverkusen?
Vidal: As a child, I looked out for players who had my surname. Then I thought: Oh, there's Arturo Vidal from Chile, how cool. But to be honest I didn't know that he played here until I signed for Leverkusen. Then I read the comments on social media… (she laughs).
Arturo Vidal played for Leverkusen from 2007 to 2011 and scored 15 goals in 117 games as a defensive midfielder. You can also play in defensive midfield. Could his time at Bayer 04 be a role model for you?
Vidal: Of course, that would be an interesting target. I don't look so far into the future but why not? I've nothing against it.
What's your favourite position on the pitch?
Vidal: Where I play completely depends on the set-up as a team. I can play in defensive midfield and I like it when there are lots of players around me. As a central defender I have the game in front of me and I can play passes in different directions. I've also played at left-back but I don't think that will be the case here. But that would be okay in an emergency (she laughs).
How would you describe your style of play?
Vidal: I like attacking the ball in a high press. My aim is always to give 100% regardless of the scoreline. That mentality is one of my strengths. During my time at FC Basel, several German players advised me to switch to the Bundesliga as the league is known for its intense tackles and challenges.
Last season you won the league title with Anderlecht: What was the season like and what does winning that trophy mean to you?
Vidal: We had a strong winning mentality built on winning six league titles in succession before. That meant every training session was very intense, we knew what we were working for, that was our mindset and our clear target. At that club it was not an option to win the title but more of an expectation. We were the ones being chased in every game. When we finally withstood that pressure then the relief and the joy were even greater. It was a special kind of pressure that you get used to incredibly quickly.
You opted for a rather unusual squad number of 56 – why was that?
Vidal: In France every departement has a number, my hometown Morbihan in Brittany has the number 56. We are very proud of our departments and 56 was just right as I don't have any special favourite number. On top of that, five and six are also my positions on the pitch.
What do you think you and your new team can achieve this season?
Vidal: We have a lot of quality in the team and the coach gives is a very concrete idea of playing which we are more and more taking on board. Of course, a lot of the other teams are difficult to assess but I'm very confident overall. Personally I'd like to play as many games as possible and enjoy my time on the pitch regardless of in which position.
Whether it's sport or his private live: Captain Edmond Tapsoba tells us his top three personal favourites in twelve categories in edition #56 of the Werkself Magazine. The defender had to answer as quickly as he reacts on the pitch. 'On the Podium' with Edmond Tapsoba!
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“Year after year, this is an incredibly valuable gathering, both in terms of the content covered and the opportunity for mutual discussion,” stressed Bayer 04 goalkeeping coach David Thiel in his welcoming address at this year’s goalkeeping coaches’ meeting. This was the third time in four seasons that the event had been held at the BayArena. Organised by the German Football Association (DFB), the meeting brought together goalkeeping coaches from the Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2 and the 3rd division from the west region. For the first time this year, goalkeeping coaches from the youth performance centres (NLZ) were also present. Bayer 04 fitness coach Markus Müller provided fascinating insights into the specific fitness training carried out with the Werkself’s goalkeepers.
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A floodlit derby, two further night games and a top-of-the-table clash on a Saturday afternoon: The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed the exact dates for four further matchdays in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. This means all fixtures for the Bayer 04 women’s team up to the end of the year, as well as the first two in 2027, are now confirmed.
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It was another incredibly close call in the end: The second showdown in the 2026/27 VBL Club Championship saw the #B04eSports team once again narrowly miss out on a place in the top 16 of the preliminary round – and with it, a spot in the in-person knockout stage. It was a bitter blow: Marc and Sean Landwehr again fell just short, despite being level on points with their rivals. As was the case last month, their weaker record across the twelve individual matches in the six preliminary round fixtures proved decisive.
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Several Werkself players are set to represent their national teams during the final international break of 2026. Here’s an overview of who has been called up and the matches they will face in November. This article will be updated regularly.
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