Bayer Leverkusen's Christian Kofane: 'I love it here; it’s a very competitive league'
Only recently arrived in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, Cameroon forward Christian Kofane is already lighting up the division with his youthful energy and eye for goal.
At 19, the former Albacete striker has already managed to become the Werkself’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League and having netted in three competitions already this term, the 1.88m Douala native looks set for stardom.
Ahead of Bayer 04's upcoming games, including one against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League - where Kofane will come up against one of his idols in Erling Haaland - we sat down with the player to chat all things football.
Watch: Leverkusen's rising stars
What are your impressions of Germany, the Bundesliga and your new life after four months here?
Christian Kofane: "The change was immediate — going from the Spanish second division to Bayer 04. I remember arriving at the BayArena, a stadium I used to see only on TV.
"When I walked into the dressing room, the guys welcomed me like a brother. I felt at home right away. At the top level, you have to adapt quickly, and my teammates helped me a lot. I'm really happy."
What has been the biggest challenge so far in sporting terms?
Kofane: "It's been less than two years since I came to Europe. The challenge is to progress as a footballer: improve my finishing, my movement, learn to anticipate my teammates' runs. Athletically, I work to prevent injuries."
Watch: Kofane on target against Union
Where exactly do you still need to improve?
Kofane: "In my decision-making. I work on that every single day."
When you played against Bayern Munich recently, you received good ratings. Is it important to measure yourself against the best teams in the world?
Kofane: "Of course; that's the top level. Playing against elite clubs is always a pleasure, and it helps you to learn — especially the intensity of high-level football. It was a great experience."
You've already scored twice in the division. Why do you think the Bundesliga suits you so well?
Kofane: "I'd say it's because of my teammates. Without them I can't perform. They help me progress every day. It's a team spirit thing. When I arrived, everything in training felt so fast. The ball moved quickly; everything went quickly. I'm enjoying myself. I love it. It's a very competitive league."
Watch: Kofane among goals as B04 down Mainz
Do you remember when you first heard about the Bundesliga?
Kofane: "I always watched it on TV. Bayer would often score the decisive goal at the end. They were always a big name in the Bundesliga."
What's it like scoring a goal in front of your fans?
"It's magical, like a dream becoming reality. I used to watch my teammates score on TV, and now I'm here scoring myself. The joy is enormous."
What role did football play in your youth?
Kofane: "It had a huge impact on my upbringing. At the beginning, it was just passion: I loved playing. Over time, that passion turned into a dream, and the dream started to grow. [Later, at the academies], winning wasn't always the most important thing - it was more about the game itself, improving, progressing."
Who do you look up to in the game?
Kofane: "My current idols are [Erling] Haaland and [Samuel] Eto'o: one still active, one retired. When I was young, everyone around me talked about Eto'o, and I watched all his videos."
Could you tell us something about your coach at Leverkusen, Kaspar Hjulmand?
Kofane: "He transmits a lot of emotion and gives players confidence. He motivates us. He's very human and very open."
What are your goals for this season and for the future?
Kofane: "For this season, it is to keep improving, adapt to the Bundesliga, adapt to the club's philosophy and grow as a player. For the future, [it is] to become more important in the dressing room, help the club win titles, whether in the Champions League, the [DFB] Cup, or the Bundesliga."
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