USMNT international Malik Tillman assails his Bundesliga club in highly critical interview

USMNT player Malik Tillman criticized his former Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen in an interview with the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, revealing his dissatisfaction with former head coach Kasper Hjulmand, sections of the club's supporters, and communication from management during a disappointing first season. The 24-year-old, who joined Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven for approximately €35 million last summer, remains under contract through 2030.

He revealed that he had missed much of Leverkusen's summer preparations due to international duty and injury, which made his position and suitability for the rebuilt squad uncertain before the campaign began. Tillman stated that he would give his Leverkusen career another opportunity following the coaching change, but he declined to guarantee his future at the club.

He expressed his intention to learn how new head coach Carles Martínez works and plans before deciding on his future. Tillman also acknowledged that many Leverkusen supporters had yet to see his true capabilities, stating that he would prove himself again and hoped to help the club return to the Champions League.