"That’s what we’re focusing on..." | OneFootball

Conrad Harder is back in Portugal. On Friday, he and his teammates landed at Faro Airport, ready to get their winter training camp underway. Hardy was welcomed back to his old home with both pouring rain and warm greetings.

A glowing reception

Even though the weather was not the best, he was given a warm reception by many fans upon his arrival. Hardy took photos and signed autographs. The 20-year-old had clearly made an impression during his time in Portugal.

"I was used to a bit more sunshine here, but I like this. It's 15 degrees, so it's still warm," grinned Conrad after the morning training session on Saturday.

"It was easy to integrate"

The youngster moved to RB Leipzig on 1st September 2025 after just under a year with Portuguese champions Sporting CP. Some time has passed since then.

"I feel very comfortable in this team. Everyone's very friendly. That meant it was easy to integrate," said the Denmark U21 international, looking back in his first few months with the Red Bulls.

Four goal contributions in December

That has been clear to see on the pitch of late, too. The striker was named in the starting line-up in each of RBL’s four competitive fixtures in December.

His performances were not too shabby, either, providing an assist during the DFB-Pokal round-of-16 3-1 win over 1. FC Magdeburg before netting his first Bundesliga goal in the subsequent 6-0 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt. He assisted in that game, as well, and was then also involved in a goal for Leipzig away to Union Berlin.

However, the 20-year-old has not only impressed via his goal contributions but also his strength in challenges and running. “It was important for me to get minutes on the pitch – that is what I’m here for,” he reiterated. “I believe I have shown what I can do and now I want to build on that.”

Adjustment complete

Without a shadow of a doubt, Conrad had certainly arrived in the Bundesliga come December. “The style of play is different in Germany compared to in the Portuguese league and I first had to adjust to that. However, I really enjoy the football here, full of powerful play and intensity,” explained our number 11.

Furthermore, he has also demonstrated his versatility, featuring on the right side of attack against Bayer 04 Leverkusen rather than in his usual central berth. “That worked really well but I am happy to play wherever the coach sees fit,” he accentuated.

"That’s what we’re focusing on..."

The task at hand for him and his teammates is to lay the foundations for a successful remainder of the season at their training camp. Fourth spot in the league standings and a DFB-Pokal quarter-final clash away to Bayern München on the horizon signify an exciting position to be in.

Ole Werner’s side return to competitive action on 10th January away to FC St. Pauli: “We are excited for it and that’s what we’re focusing on right now. We want to kick off the new year with three points,” emphasised Hardy.

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