The Black and Reds, currently fifth in the Bundesliga, face a team in East Berlin with an outstanding record at home: Union have won four of their last five home games at the An der Alten Försterei Stadium, all without conceding. “They are a different opponent compared with Dortmund. They have their own strengths, particularly in defence,” said Bosz about the next opposition.
The fact Union Berlin are also the opponents in the DFB Cup quarter-finals in three weeks is not relevant at the moment according to the Dutchman. The 56-year-old said: “I only look at the next game and we have to fully focus on that. And who knows who will be playing for either side in the cup tie.”
The Bundesliga away game in the capital marks the start of a busy period of fixtures over the next three weeks. “We won’t have much time to recover,” said Bosz. The head coach was happy to see recent absentees Kerem Demirbay (suspended), Julian Baumgartlinger, Exequiel Palacios and Charles Aránguiz (all injured) return to full training this week.
It is looking good for the Chilean after his long injury lay-off but it remains to be seen if he will play. “Charly said he didn’t have any problems yesterday. But he hasn’t played since the start of January so we’ll have to wait and see what happens in today’s session. I’ll make my decision after that,” Bosz explained. “Perhaps all four will be available for selection.”
With a win against Union Berlin, Bayer 04 playmaker Kai Havertz can clock up his 50th Bundesliga victory – and all that at just 20 years of age. At the pre-match press conference, the head coach praised the development of the Germany international since the start of the second half of the season. “We’ve all seen that the Kai of last season is back. Against Dortmund, you could see he is very important to the team,” said the Dutchman who was also able to welcome back Paulinho yesterday.
The Brazilian was in Colombia where he helped the Selecao U23 team qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Bosz finished by saying: “That means all players are available as of now. That is very important in view of the run of fixtures coming up.”
Match information:
Referee: Harm Osmers (Hannover)
Broadcaster: Sky (TV) and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Attendance: 21,717 (sold out), including 2,500 Bayer 04 fans
Bayer 04 record-appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn invites you to another evening in the popular ‘Rudi lädt ein’ series: on Tuesday 10 November, in collaboration with Bayer AG, the focus will be on the Nazi period. The focus will be on football, Bayer 04 and the city of Leverkusen.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
Show more
New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
Show more
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
Show more
