The team in third place have a two-point lead over the Black and Reds, currently lying fifth in the table with 50 points. “We can take an important step forward tomorrow and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” declared head coach Peter Bosz at today’s virtual press conference. As with the 4-1 away win at Werder Bremen, the Dutchman has to make do without his captain Lars Bender (foot injury) in Mönchengladbach.
Striker Kevin Volland returned to training for the first time this week after his ankle ligament injury. But tomorrow’s game has come too early for him,” said Bosz. “We’ll have to wait and see when he can get back.” All the other players are available.
Werkself head coach Bosz said Mönchengladbach have, up to now, had an “impressive season. They’re a good team.” However, the 56-year-old is banking on his team’s strengths against the in-form side under coach Marco Rose. Bosz added: “We’re up for it. We were before the coronavirus pandemic and we are now. We were good against Bremen and our positional play was better in the second half.”
In preparation for tomorrow’s clash, the Bayer 04 group underwent the obligatory coronavirus tests this morning and a training session is on the agenda this afternoon. The players, coaches and staff will then return to the Leverkusen team hotel.
Kai Havertz, the scorer of two goals at Werder Bremen, is obviously set to play. After the last game, Bosz talked about the 20-year-old, saying he “didn’t have his best game.” Asked about that statement, the head coach today said: “I always try to get the best out of my players. I know Kai can do better. I always expect the best from my players and if there is room for improvement, then perhaps I’m more critical than journalists. If you have the quality that Kai has then you shouldn’t be easily satisfied – neither him nor me as the coach.”
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the match
The Bayer 04 U19s have extended their winning run with a fifth consecutive victory on Matchday 5 of the DFB Youth League’s preliminary round. Coach Patrick Greveraars’ side secured a 3–2 (2–1) win in their match against second-placed FC Viktoria Köln, with Burak Kir and Nebe Domnic scoring for the hosts in the first half before captain Ben Hawighorst found the net after the break.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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The champions of Slovenia NK Celje are in a European competition for the fourth time in their history. This Wednesday, 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the side lead by head coach Vitor Campelos visit the BayArena for matchday 1 in the group stage in the UEFA Europa League. Celje’s last match at the weekend did not go to plan. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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