Julian Brandt received a standing ovation when he was subbed off in the 66th minute against Hannover on Saturday. Prior to his substitution, the European U19 Champion provided a goal and plenty of attacking impulse for Bayer 04 in their 4-0 home victory. It was the seventh consecutive win for Leverkusen, matching their club record set in the 2001/02 season and moving them up to third place ahead of Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 18-year-old spoke with DFB.de about his on-the-pitch success at Bayer 04, his personal development and the upcoming derby with 1. FC Köln.
DFB.de: Julian Brandt, Leverkusen made it look easy against Hannover. Were you expecting that prior to the game?
Julian Brandt: It wasn't all that easy if you ask me. There were a lot of set pieces – we’d already had ten corners after half an hour for example. That makes it hard for us to get a rhythm going. Hannover played with a lot of aggression, but after our first two goals, we managed to break them down.
DFB.de: You started the game and got on the scoresheet. Talk us through your goal.
Brandt: Stefan Kießling played a good ball and I was able to control it well. From there on it was all or nothing for me. I’ve had several chances in previous games that I haven’t been able to convert. Fortunately it went in this time. It was a big relief.
DFB.de: You started the season as a European U19 Champion but weren’t given much time on the pitch, also due to injury. How would you describe these past few weeks?
Brandt: It's been great. The first half of the season was difficult because I couldn’t find my rhythm. But everything has been going great since the winter break. Hopefully this goal will now help me continue down this path. It is certainly the highlight for me so far.
DFB.de: What do you think your position is within the team?
Julian Brandt received a standing ovation when he was subbed off in the 66th minute against Hannover on Saturday. Prior to his substitution, the European U19 Champion provided a goal and plenty of attacking impulse for Bayer 04 in their 4-0 home victory. It was the seventh consecutive win for Leverkusen, matching their club record set in the 2001/02 season and moving them up to third place ahead of Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 18-year-old spoke with DFB.de about his on-the-pitch success at Bayer 04, his personal development and the upcoming derby with 1. FC Köln.
DFB.de: Julian Brandt, Leverkusen made it look easy against Hannover. Were you expecting that prior to the game?
Julian Brandt: It wasn't all that easy if you ask me. There were a lot of set pieces – we’d already had ten corners after half an hour for example. That makes it hard for us to get a rhythm going. Hannover played with a lot of aggression, but after our first two goals, we managed to break them down.
DFB.de: You started the game and got on the scoresheet. Talk us through your goal.
Brandt: Stefan Kießling played a good ball and I was able to control it well. From there on it was all or nothing for me. I’ve had several chances in previous games that I haven’t been able to convert. Fortunately it went in this time. It was a big relief.
DFB.de: You started the season as a European U19 Champion but weren’t given much time on the pitch, also due to injury. How would you describe these past few weeks?
Brandt: It's been great. The first half of the season was difficult because I couldn’t find my rhythm. But everything has been going great since the winter break. Hopefully this goal will now help me continue down this path. It is certainly the highlight for me so far.
DFB.de: What do you think your position is within the team?
Brandt: I don't view myself as true regular yet, that would be quite farfetched. I'm happy when I get to make an appearance and being in this team is great for a youngster like me. There is so much to pick up on and learn, like the Champions League experience for example.
DFB.de: When are you hoping to be a regular?
Brandt: We will see. Leverkusen are a very ambitious club. The competition for places in my preferred position is tough, which is why it's difficult to make a prediction now.
DFB.de: Do the older, more experienced players provide you with guidance?
Brandt: Yes of course. We always support one another in our team. We don't just see ourselves as competitors within the team. Karim Bellarabi, Hakan Calhanoglu or Heung-Min Son – we all have a great relationship with one another, off the pitch as well.
DFB.de: What do you still have to improve on?
Brandt: Definitely my finishing. I could have scored two or three goals against FC Bayern recently in the DFB Cup (5-3 loss on penalties). I still lack efficiency in those situations, but the game against Hannover was a good start.
DFB.de: Your next game will take place in Cologne. Are you looking forward to the derby?
Brandt: I'm certain it will be a great game, especially for our fans, who would probably like a victory more than in any other game of the season. It's a must-win match for us. It would be the icing on the cake if we manage to win the derby and thus set a new club record with eight straight wins in the Bundesliga.
DFB.de: Will it be a special training week ahead of the derby clash?
Brandt: Yes, to a certain extent. I can still remember our first encounter earlier this season. It was a special game as well and fortunately ended on a good note for us. Another positive aspect is that it’s a very short journey for an away match.
