Patrik Schick is enjoying a prolific start to the 2026/27 Bundesliga season, with eight goals in his first nine games for Bayer Leverkusen setting a new club record. The former Czechia international striker discusses his goalscoring form, Leverkusen’s ambitions under Carles Martínez, his exciting partnership with Ibrahim Maza and why he is happier than ever at the BayArena.

Bundesliga: Eight goals in your first nine games is a phenomenal return, as well as a new club record. What's the secret to maintaining that level of consistency?

Schick: “I would say that I really try to work hard to stay healthy and consistent. I think I have good habits before training and at home. We also have a very good team and I have great team-mates who provide me with very good chances to score goals. It's all these things together.”

Watch: Patrik Schick sets new Leverkusen scoring record

Bundesliga: Your last goal was a vital one, proving to be the difference as Leverkusen took a sixth derby win in a row against Cologne. After a few recent defeats, how much did that win mean?

Schick: "It meant a lot, not just to us in the dressing room, but also to the fans and the club After three defeats in four matches, we really needed to get back on track. It was a game full of emotion, and we're really happy that we won. Now we have a bit of time to recover and refocus after the international break.”

Bundesliga: How do you assess Leverkusen's season so far after nine matches?

Schick: “We're currently in fifth, and we're still within touching distance of the top. In terms of our performances, I think we need to focus a bit more on not conceding so many goals. I think we'll get many more points if we can improve in that area. With our quality, I think we'll always be able to score goals, and if we're able to keep clean sheets, that will help us a lot and earn us plenty of points."

Watch: Bird's-eye view of Schick's derby goal

Bundesliga: What impact has Carles Martínez had since becoming Leverkusen coach over the summer summer?

Schick: "Carles is a very passionate guy who is very focused on the details. I think you can see his style of play. It's what I would describe as typical Spanish football, with lots of short passes and plenty of ball possession. You could see it from the first game, and I really enjoy this kind of football. I also think the fans are coming to the stadium as they know we play good football.”

Bundesliga: What aims do you have for the season?

Schick: “Of course, reaching the Champions League is an important goal for the season. I think we also have good chances in the Europa League and the DFB Cup. We have two competitions in which I think we can reach the final.”

The arrival of Carles Martínez as coach has helped spur the scoring form of Patrik Schick. - IMAGO/Laci Perenyi

Bundesliga: You seem to have developed a great understanding with Ibrahim Maza. What is he like to play with?

Schick: "Anyone who understands football and watches him play can see that he's unbelievable. His abilities are so impressive, and he has top, top potential. I really enjoy playing with him because I think we have good chemistry and understand each other very well on the pitch.

"He's one of those players people should really enjoy watching. On the pitch, he's phenomenal. In the dressing room, he's a very nice guy who's always laughing. Overall, I think he's a great person.”

Watch: Maza talks Schick connection

Bundesliga: When you signed for Leverkusen in 2020, did you still expect to be here six years later?

Schick: "To be honest, no, I didn't. As things stand, I'm very happy with how everything is going. That's football. You never know what's going to happen, and you really cannot plan your future because everything changes from season to season. At the moment, I'm probably the happiest I've been in Leverkusen.”

Bundesliga: How do you want to be remembered at Leverkusen in the future?

Schick: "I want to be remembered as a player who won the Bundesliga and DFB Cup here after so many years of waiting. I'd also like people to remember the goals I scored for the club, how many important goals I scored for the club, and that I left something here. If, one day after my career, I come back to watch a game, and the people are happy to see me, that would also be a nice thing.”

- Bundesliga Media

Bundesliga: You may be a true centre-forward but we've heard your idol as a boy was a winger, David Beckham. Is that correct?

Schick: “It was when I was young. I liked Manchester United, and he was my favourite player at the time. I just really liked the way he kicked the ball. I didn't know that he would develop into such a big superstar, I just enjoyed watching him play football.”