bundesliga.com: And how are you finding life in Germany?

Bailey: "My life in Germany is quite simple. I just go to training or go back home and my family comes to visit sometimes. Whenever I have free days, I try to just relax or, if it’s good weather, you enjoy the sun in the city and walk around a little bit. I don’t have many friends, just the other players basically.”

bundesliga.com: Why did you choose Leverkusen in 2017?

Bailey: “Well, I chose Leverkusen because when I left Genk I thought I needed to take the next step in my career. As a young player, I think you should take steps to be wherever you want to be. I think here was the next step. Leverkusen is an awesome team. They’re always in the Champions League, always doing well in the Bundesliga. Basically, they always want to help their players go a step higher, so I believe that’s why I made this move because I wanted to go step-by-step. I think this was the perfect choice for me after Genk.”

bundesliga.com You had a few initial issues after joining Leverkusen. How did you overcome those to then do so well?

Bailey: “When I first signed here in Leverkusen, the first half of the year made me think a lot at the time because I couldn’t understand what was going on. I had a great season in Genk. Then, when I came here, I wouldn’t be included in the squad. I wouldn’t be in the squad for almost all the games and I couldn’t understand why. I started questioning whether I was good enough – which I was at that stage. Then, I said to myself: ‘After this summer break, I’m going back with a mindset that nobody – I don’t care who – is ever going to get in the way of me showcasing my talent and proving that I should be here’. From pre-season onwards, I was so focused, working hard every day with the help of my teammates. That’s when everything started.”

Havertz rescues win for Leverkusen at Hannover

Bailey: "Leverkusen can reach the Champions League"