Ahead of the clash with the league leaders, Bosz is focusing– as with any other game – primarily on his own team. “In the run-up to a match, we are 95 per cent concerned with ourselves,” the head coach said at the pre-match press conference. “We have to be brave and play our game.” The Dutchman is happy to dedicate the remaining five per cent to the team from Munich ahead of the match.
The reason: “I enjoy the way Bayern play. It’s a game for anyone who loves football. That’s how football should be played,” said Bosz, who praised the FC Bayern attack and their defence as well as the way they press.”
A win in tomorrow’s home game, as previously mentioned, would be the third victory in succession against the record champions. “If it does happen, then we’ll have achieved something special,” said Bosz before adding: “For me, it’s all about qualifying for the Champions League at the end of the season. And points against FC Bayern are always valuable for that target.”
The possibility of a win making the Bundesliga title race exiting again is of no real interest to Bosz. “It’s not about Bayern Munich for me but rather Bayer 04. We’re playing for ourselves and we want to take the points,” said the Dutchman.
As in last week’s game at Freiburg, striker Kevin Volland will again be in the squad for the home game against FC Bayern. “That means he can play,” Bosz explained. “But we have to be realistic: He’s been out for a long time. Therefore, he’s not yet in shape to play for the full 90 minutes.” Lars Bender will not be in the squad. The captain is still struggling with a foot injury and has yet to return to full training. “We don’t know how long Lars will be out for. But he’s heading in the right direction,” said Bosz.
Match info:
Broadcaster: Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will announced on the day of the game
Two games – two wins: Bayer 04 have picked up maximum points from their two matches so far in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. What's more, of their previous 14 UEL matches, Bayer 04 have lost just one. Away to OFI Crete, Carles Martínez’s side are looking to add another successful performance on the European stage to their string of impressive displays. The Greeks, for their part, have been waiting four matches for a win, but Leverkusen should be on their guard: OFI’s most recent victory came against a German side. Today's matchday news.
Show more
Ahead of Bayer 04's Europa League match away to OFI Crete in Greece, defender Jarell Quansah spoke to Werkself-TV...
Show more
Brimming with confidence after five consecutive competitive wins, Bayer 04 face OFI Crete on Thursday evening, 22 October (kick-off: 19:45 local time, 18:45 CEST). Ahead of the UEFA Europa League clash on Greece’s largest island, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the opposition and the late inclusion of Jonas Hofmann, whilst defender Jarell Quansah discussed the reasons behind the Werkself’s winning run.
Show more
It couldn't have been any tighter! Despite winning four of six games in the online preliminary round in Showdown 1 of the VBL Club Championship 2026/27, Leverkusen eSports duo Marc and Sean Landwehr didn't make it through to the offline knockout round. Level on points (12) with seven other teams, Leverkusen were the only team with this points tally not to progress as they had the worst single-game record compared to their rivals.
Show more
He's one of the leading figures of Leverkusen and the German economy: Werner Wenning rose from an apprentice at Bayer 04 to CEO of the global company. A childhood Werkself fan, he has held a position of responsibility at the club for many years as chairman of the shareholder committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH. Today the Leverkusen native celebrates his 80th birthday. The entire Bayer 04 family offers its warmest wishes!
Show more
