"The defeat against Schalke 04 was a bitter blow," said Herrlich who was still clearly disappointed two days after the game. That was not made more palatable by direct rivals from Dortmund (1-1 against Augsburg) Frankfurt (0-1 in Stuttgart) and Leipzig (1-2 against FC Köln) also slipping up with the top third of the table still very closely packed. "We'll have to see that we pick up points rather than look at what the others are doing. It's important for us to draw the right lessons from the Schalke match," said the Werkself head coach after the only session on Tuesday as he focuses attention on the forthcoming match away to Wolfsburg who are currently in the relegation battle in fifteenth place in the top flight: "I know what we need to work on. We'll do that and try to get the best possible outcome."
The fact the captain Lars Bender – as well as Jonathan Tah – were both able to complete the full work out in the first training session of the week strengthens Herrlich's optimism – particularly in terms of them playing at the weekend. "Schalke were sharper in one or two situations and more aggressive in challenges. So it will be even better if we can get that additional mentality in the team with Lars coming back into the side."
Reserve keeper Ramazan Özcan and Leon Bailey were missing on Tuesday and, as "a precautionary measure", the pair completed an individual session in the gym at the BayArena instead of taking part in the open training session. Herrlich is optimistic they will not be out of action for long: "I'm assuming we'll have everybody available the day after tomorrow at the latest."
It was a match that will live long in the memory of everyone involved: The Bayer 04 U19s celebrated their seventh win in seven matches in the DFB Youth League preliminary round – and yet it was a very special victory indeed: in the 4–3 (1–1) win at VfL Bochum 1848, no fewer than five goals came in the final quarter of an hour. As the 90th minute approached, coach Patrick Greveraars’s side found themselves behind, but then fought back in true ‘Laterkusen’ style.
Show more
Under Carles Martínez, the Werkself have so far proved unbeatable at the BayArena. The Spaniard has led his team to victory in all three of their most recent home matches – and, it's worth noting, without conceding a single goal. On Sunday, 18 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST / live on DAZN and Werkself Radio), current league leaders SC Freiburg will make the trip to Leverkusen, but will be without their top scorer. What's more, the Werkself have won all three of their previous home matches against the Black Forest club. With a goal, Patrik Schick could not only secure a fourth consecutive victory but also set a memorable record. Meanwhile, on what will be the ‘Health Day' at the BayArena, much of the focus will be on physical wellbeing. Today's matchday news.
Show more
Bayer 04 Women missed out on victory in the Google Pixel Bundesliga as they were held to a draw at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Estrella Merino Gonzalez had put the Werkself ahead directly from a corner at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, before Laura Freigang levelled for the visitors as it finished all square between fourth and third on Matchday 7.
Show more
Freiburg have made an impressive start to the season, unbeaten in nine games across all competitions, with eight of them wins. Now the Bundesliga leaders come to the BayArena on Sunday to take on the Werkself, but Julian Schuster’s team will be missing their top scorer. Here’s the lowdown on our next opponent.
Show more
