The team under head coach Peter Bosz have set a record thanks to the 4-0 win against Slavia Prague on Thursday night: The 21 goals scored is the highest number by a German club in the group stages of the Europa League. Next opponents in the Bundesliga from Hoffenheim also sailed through the group stage of the competition. TSG picked up 16 out of a possible 18 points with a goal difference of 17 for and 2 against – the second best group stage for a German club in the history of the Europa League.
The team led by coach Sebastian Hoeneß clocked up a 4-1 victory over KAA Gent. "I watched the game. But I think they'll have other players on the pitch against us," said Bosz on Friday ahead of the clash with the team currently lying tenth in the league. "Either way, we are prepared to face a team who will make life difficult for us."
Following the successful conclusion to the Europa League group stage, there were a small number of players on the training ground for the Friday session. The majority of the squad were recovering in the facilities at the BayArena. Lucas Alario and Mitchell Weiser are back in training. "If they train tomorrow then they could be an option for the squad," Bosz explained.
After three double fixture weeks in succession, there are now three matches within six days before the start of the short winter break. Bosz: "The match rhythm is tiring but the players are fresh. That was shown in the stats from yesterday: We ran a lot, sprinted a lot. That's one of our strengths. Therefore, we have to try to control the workload."
Eight wins and a draw: The return from the latest games is impressive – as is the Bundesliga table. The Werkself are currently second, one point behind Bayern Munich. In spite of the run of wins, Bosz does not have to put his foot down. "The players don't need me to avoid being euphoric – they do that by themselves," said the 56-year-old. "We know things can turn around very quickly. We are calm, doing our work and continue to be critical of ourselves." This approach appears to be producing results at the moment…
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.
Show more
With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
Show more
Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-0 victory in the friendly match against Rot-Weiss Essen...
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Kennet Eichhorn for the time being. Following specialist medical examinations, the new signing from Berlin has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder requiring treatment. This was preceded by excessive physical strain and weight loss, partly as a result of a gastrointestinal condition.
Show more
A successful fourth preseason friendly ahead of the start of the training camp: The Werkself secured a 3-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Essen at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The goals in what was a commanding and dominant performance by Leverkusen from the outset were scored by Ibrahim Maza (8'), Patrik Schick from the penalty spot (23’) and, in the second half, Montrell Culbreath with a header (79’). The team set off for their training camp in Blankenhain in the Weimarer Land region after the game.
Show more
