Malik Tillman talks life at Bayer Leverkusen and the Bundesliga: “I know I can do more”

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·22 de setembro de 2025

Malik Tillman talks life at Bayer Leverkusen and the Bundesliga: “I know I can do more”

Speaking to Bild, Malik Tillman talks about settling in at Bayer Leverkusen, the Bundesliga, and his performances so far.

The USA international had an unorthodox start to life at B04. The attacking midfielder was absent from pre-season due to representing the USA in the Gold Cup, and then missed the start of the season due to a calf injury.

Vídeos OneFootball

However, Tillman has since scored twice in three Bundesliga games as Leverkusen themselves have experienced an unusual start to the campaign.

Tillman scored in the derby against Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend, but ultimately ended drawing the game.

“On the one hand, Gladbach did well; we’re simply still missing a few certain processes, the combinations. These will naturally come from games, from training, from a certain game plan, but over time, we simply have to find that rhythm. Of course, we also want it to happen as quickly as possible, but sometimes things like that just take time.”

Asking if he hasn’t quite settled into life at B04 yet because of the transition from the Dutch Eredivisie to the Bundesliga, Tillman had other thoughts:

“Actually, the adjustment isn’t too difficult, I’d say. Sure, it’s different. The pace of the game is different, the tackling is tough, but I think I’m ready for it; I can keep up.”

However, Tillman is not one to dodge self-criticism and understands that he can still give more:

“I’m not yet satisfied with what I’ve shown so far. I know I can do more, I know I have to do more. That, too, will come with time.”

Ultimately, Tillman isn’t too concerned by the way Leverkusen have started the campaign.

“It doesn’t mean much. We’re still at the beginning. The season is long; a lot can still happen. And I also believe that things will improve for us over time.”

With two goals in three Bundesliga appearances already, it’s clear that Tillman has a lot to give at Leverkusen, and the playmaker could be key to future success this season.

GGFN | Jamie Allen