Jonas Hofmann on what it takes to beat Bayern Munich, the race for Europe and post-football plans
Following a challenging 2024/25 campaign, Jonas Hofmann is enjoying his football again at Bayer Leverkusen. In a wide-ranging interview, the veteran midfielder talks about life under Kasper Hjulmand, his hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, their DFB Cup semi-final tie with Bayern Munich and much more...
Bundesliga: Jonas, how are you doing right now? Are you fit for the season run-in?
Jonas Hofmann: “I’m fit. We had a few days off to recover and recharge our batteries. I definitely did that.”
Bundesliga: What do you make of your season so far? Last season you played just 352 minutes in the Bundesliga, scoring two goals and providing one assist. This season you’re at 972 minutes with 11 starts. That’s quite different...
Hofmann: “It’s definitely different but still not enough for my liking. You always want to be out there playing. But when you just look at the facts, it’s slight progress. I’m happy to be playing again. I think I’ve been able to prove often enough this season that I can help the team, even if not scoring or assisting in every game. But there are lots of other important things in a team, and it’s the success of the team that comes first. I’m definitely a team player.”
Bundesliga: What do you make of Leverkusen’s season? There was the early change of coach to Kasper Hjulmand, whom you knew from your time at Mainz - what spirit did he bring into the team?
Hofmann: “Definitely a new spirit. I think a change of coach often brings good things – not always, but often. I think it benefited us. After Kasper joined, we went on a great run, doing very well. We were in a good place, where we wanted to be. I think after a big upheaval that it’s not a bad thing that we’re competing for Champions League places.”
Bundesliga: What advice do you, as a more experienced player, pass on to the many young guys around you?
Hofmann: “Hopefully positive stuff. Hopefully when you ask the young guys, they say they can learn something from you or can take some advice. The older guys do try to guide the younger ones. When you have such big upheaval in the summer, it’s important that those who know the Bundesliga, the team and the environment can have a big impact on the younger, newer guys. And I try to be a leader there too.”
Bundesliga: What was it like for you when your supposed 94th-minute winner against Bayern Munich on 14 March was ruled out?
Hofmann: “Bad! It would’ve been really great if it had counted. I believe there was a lot of discussion afterwards about whether it was offside, where you can see the spot under your shirt where the line should be drawn. But that’s how it is. People make decisions. We need to accept it, especially with offsides – there it’s simply offside, done. But it was great when celebrating."
Watch: Leverkusen 1-1 Bayern - highlights
Bundesliga: Speaking of Bayern, you face them at home again in the DFB Cup semi-finals. How significant is that game for Leverkusen and for you when looking at the season as a whole?
Hofmann: “It could be one of the most important games. Obviously every game is important, but it could be one of the most important, because it could open the door to being able to win a title. I think it’s our last chance to really achieve something big at the end of the season. We’re only two games away from that. We need to give our all on the day. Like with the previous game, we need a very good performance.
"Even though we were a man up for a long time – and later two men up – we still performed well, and we’ll need that again at home against Bayern, because they’ll be a bit wounded from the last game, given their goal is also to beat us. We need to be fully prepared for it.”
Bundesliga: What does it take to beat this Bayern team this season?
Hofmann: “Courage. Lots of courage. You need all the usual virtues against Bayern. And you need every player in top form, at 100 percent. Everyone needs to be on the same page. And you also need luck, because – I think everyone would agree – Bayern are maybe the best team in the world right now. You need everything to go your way on the day.”
Bundesliga: You return to action against Wolfsburg. What sort of game are you expecting?
Hofmann: “They definitely won’t just gift us the points, with their new coach, who I also know. I’m looking forward to seeing him as well. But in those 90 minutes, I hope for a win for my team and me. Again, in every Bundesliga game, we need 100 percent. Obviously you want to win every game at home, but you also need everything necessary to get three points against this Wolfsburg team, because a relegation battle is a different sort of pressure than what we face. Wolfsburg will give their all, and we need to fight against that, show Wolfsburg from the start that there’s nothing in this game for them.”
Watch: Hofmann was among the scores in the reverse fixture in Wolfsburg
Bundesliga: How important would a win be in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification?
Hofmann: “Very important, because we’re running out of games. And we’ve dropped a few points, while our competitors haven’t. It’s important to keep at it, not lose touch this early. So a really important game.”
Bundesliga: How do you rate your chances of qualifying for the Champions League next year?
Hofmann: “It’s obviously not an easy task. We’re having to chase and have games against direct rivals where it’ll be tough to win. It’s not easy. And that’s why I say it’s important to go into this final phase with a win against Wolfsburg, to show our competitors that we’re on it, that we still want it, that there isn’t one team less that wants to get into the Champions League spots. There’s also Hoffenheim in fifth place. We need to show we’re still in it.”
Bundesliga: You’re under contract in Leverkusen until 2027. How excited are you about the prospect of playing in the Champions League with this club again next year?
Hofmann: “Obviously hearing the Champions League anthem here in the stadium but also away from home across Europe is always special. I remember in London [against Arsenal] I closed my eyes during the anthem because you never know if it’s maybe your last time. You enjoy those moments, the special atmosphere, those nights under the lights. It’s all special. I believe we players know that as well. Everyone knows it and knows it would be important for the club to qualify.”
Bundesliga: How long do you see yourself playing at the highest level? Do you have a plan for after you finish playing?
Hofmann: “No concrete plans yet. Obviously I’ve got a few scenarios in my head, things you can imagine. But I prefer to live spontaneously and also need to say that it’s a privilege to be able to live spontaneously. Obviously it’ll come over the next two or three years that I need to think more closely about what I might do. But to be honest, I feel top fit right now. I’m here and believe I can play a few more years at a high level. And as long as that’s true, I want to stay there.”
Bundesliga: What match in your career would you like to play again and why?
Hofmann: “I’d like to play the Europa League final again against Atalanta. That’s the first that comes to mind. That’s the game where we were closest to a title but didn’t win it. Unfortunately, we didn’t really have a chance that day. I’d really like to play that game again.”
Bundesliga: What personal objectives do you have for the rest of the season? You only have two goals, so maybe score some more?
Hofmann: “I’d always take more goals, because it means you’re helping the team and maybe winning games. Also to stay healthy. Apart from the start of the season when I missed a few weeks, I’ve done well in that regard so far this season. That’s always the most important thing anyway and always comes first for me, because when you’re fit, you can prove yourself, take part in training and play. And hopefully get into the Champions League with Leverkusen.”
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