Back
27.02.2018Bayer 04

Tah back in training – Bailey sidelined

With a day between the 2-0 defeat at home to Schalke, Heiko Herrlich led a first team training session on Tuesday morning. In addition to captain Lars Bender, Jonathan Tah also rejoined his team-mates after a week on the sidelines in frosty temperatures in Leverkusen. Both players should be available on Saturday (3 March, 15.30 CET) as the Werkself look to get back on track against VfL Wolfsburg.
20180227_training.jpg

"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." 

Related News

Effiziente Anfangsphase: Bayer 04-Frauen schlagen Leipzig verdient | 12. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 06.12.2025

Women: TV-highlights of 3-2 win against RB Leipzig

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 3-2 win against RB Leipzig on the 12th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #FCAB04
Bundesliga - 06.12.2025

Matchday news #FCAB04: Build on record win rate against Augsburg side under new management

For the second time in three weeks, Bayer 04 have to face a team that has just changed coach. The Werkself’s overall record against Augsburg and the Bavarians’ poor season so far both point towards a Leverkusen win, but head coach Kasper Hjulmand is still aware of the threat going into Saturday’s Bundesliga encounter (kick-off: 15:30 CET). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 13 fixture at the WWK Arena.

Show more
Tom Brady
Bayer 04 - 05.12.2025

World Cup draw: Germany face newcomers Curacao - Argentina and Algeria in same group

The groups for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico have been finalised. At the draw in the USA capital Washington D.C., which was hosted by German top model Heidi Klum and others, 48 teams were drawn for the first time. The groups at a glance.

Show more
Fernando Carro
Social Commitment - 05.12.2025

Fernando Carro and Stefan Kießling at the Day of Volunteering in the BayArena

As part of the joint commitment of Bayer 04 and the City of Leverkusen to volunteering, the annual Volunteer Day took place in the 19nullvier Lounge at the BayArena. Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, Stefan Hebbel, Mayor of the City of Leverkusen, and club representative Stefan Kießling praised the commitment of the 200 or so volunteers from the region in attendance and thanked them for their impressive efforts.

Show more