Brandt & Volland of exciting Bayer 04 side speak to WhoScored
It's been a tough start to the season for Bayer Leverkusen, who have already suffered their share of highs and lows both at home and in Europe. Roger Schmidt's side is a hugely promising one nonetheless, and well capable of narrowing the gap to last seasons top two if they can hit their stride. We sent Jack Grimse to interview two of the clubs brightest prospects on behalf of WhoScored.com, both of whom have already been capped by the German national team.
Julian Brandt, 20, is fresh from helping lead Germany to a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio having really broke out at the end of last season, scoring in six straight games during Leverkusen's run to finish their campaign on a high.
Kevin Volland, meanwhile, was signed this summer from 1899 Hoffenheim for €20m, and his versatility in attack should prove to be a valuable asset for Roger Schmidt's side, ready to step up to the next level at Leverkusen.
Both were unsurprisingly optimistic of the things to come from this young squad...
Describe what kind of a team this is at Leverkusen?
It’s a young team with very high potential. We’re diverse, but also experienced players, as Chicharito demonstrates. Also the coach has been here for two years, and qualified for the Champions League both years, so we are in good hands.
What’s it like playing in the Bundesliga compared to other leagues you watch?
It’s relatively German, tactical and disciplined. Like Spain there are many tricks, but their football revolves around stars like Ronaldo, Neymar and Messi. It’s full of life. Here there are not as many duels or robust tackles like in England, but still it is a great style of play. It’s very attractive and in my opinion one of the top leagues across the world.
You already have the next big match on your mind, huh? The hat you’re wearing says “Monaco Boys”…
Yes, Tuesday’s game in Monaco in the Champions League is important, but first we are focused on Saturday’s Bundesliga game and we should not forget this. After the 2-2 draw against CSKA Moscow, we should have won the game, so now we have to win. Monaco is an exciting game and it will show what direction we can go.
If we win, after two matches we will have four points, which would be a good result. But if we lose it won’t be good because Monaco won their first game against Tottenham. It would be a bad situation for us at the moment if you look at the table. But I will be prepared for this match.
At the end of last season you’d scored 6 games in a row, was that kind of the moment when you realised “Okay, I can do it in the Bundesliga?”
It came as a surprise because before this run started, it was kind of a struggle but when you score one goal, they can keep coming. This is what happens. Then I was with the national team and it was great.
For someone who hasn’t seen Bayer 04, how would you say they play? And what attracted you to the club initially?
We are offensive-minded and also do a lot of pressing, even compared to other teams in Germany or Europe. It’s very intense pressing, and also a very young team, which is what makes us unique. There is not as high of awareness about us as Bayern or Dortmund, but to someone who doesn’t know Leverkusen or the club, come and watch one game and you will love us!
You just turned 20 a couple of months ago, you’re very young with a lot of your career in front of you, so is there an area of your game that you feel you need to work to improve?
There are few things that I need to get better at. Playing in defensive areas, heading technique and finishing ability are just a few examples. Nobody’s perfect, but I’m always working to improve my skills. Of course if you’re playing in attack, the goal is to score as much as possible, and I’d like to score more than last season. That’s definitely a focus for this season.
What does it mean to play for Leverkusen? Do you feel pressure to perform after the big money move from Hoffenheim?
Well it’s definitely a new chapter in my career, but I don’t feel pressure and I won’t change my style of play because of a high transfer fee. The market is like this right now, it’s generally inflated. I’m not feeling any pressure, but I am looking forward to getting on the pitch more. (Coming back from a fractured hand)
How would you describe the atmosphere in the stadium and at the club?
You feel instantly that it’s a really well-organized club in every aspect. And yes, the atmosphere is really nice, I’ve played here a couple of times at the BayArena, but now to play here full time for Bayer 04 is something special.
What differences have you noticed between Hoffenheim and a bigger club like Leverkusen?
Hoffenhiem is also a good club, but at Bayer 04 Leverkusen the quality is at a higher level. Playing a higher frequency of matches, three times a week with the Champions League, is of course one of the main differences.
You talked a little about the atmosphere; Champions League football must have been one of your motivations in coming to Leverkusen...
Since my childhood, it’s been a dream to play in the Champions League. Even though I didn’t start in the first game, I was just on the bench, it’s an honour to be involved even as an observer. Our goal is to get to the next round, to qualify for the knockout stage in the Champions League.
Your new coach, Roger Schmidt, is fascinating manager, very interested in tactics and specific player roles. What is it like for you to be a player under him this season, and is there any specific way he wants you to play at Leverkusen?
He’s definitely a great coach, and a reason why I wanted to move to Leverkusen. He asks a lot from his players, but this is great because that’s the way to achieve your potential.
So you can play pretty much anywhere in the forward line, up top or on either wing. Is there a position you like the best?
As you mentioned, I’m definitely able to play in many positions. On the left of midfield, on the right as a winger (and vice versa), or in the box as a number 9. But it depends, and in pre-season if you’re playing in a certain position, it makes you feel more comfortable, particularly in a new team. I’m happy to play where it helps the team though.
You said manager Roger Schmidt played a part in your decision to come to Leverkusen. You must like his tactics, playing at a higher pace, and playing with others in the squad that are your age, your profile, developing stars?
First of all we have a young team, but I also like the style of play, because my ability to change position, particularly when we’re counter-attacking, is a fit and it’s a lot of fun. I knew about the manager’s style and tactics coming in, so that helped too.
With Chicharito and Charles Aránguiz missing penalties in the two most recent games, do you think that you may be the next one up to take penalties?
Last year at Hoffenheim I scored two penalties and missed one, but I’m definitely confident in my ability if called upon. But both Chicharito and Aránguiz are great penalty takers, and misses can happen to anyone. For example Charles (Aránguiz) had scored 20 in a row before missing! You never know, but I’ll be ready if needed.
How far can Bayer Leverkusen go in domestic and European competition with the likes of Brandt and Volland in attack? Let us know in the comments below
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