Just like the Werkself, Wolfsburg came through the first round of the DFB cup last week when they beat Union Fürstenwalde 4-1. But while Charles Aránguiz and Co. were able to fully focus on the clash with the team from Lower Saxony following the 7-0 win against Norderstedt, VfL faced a trip to Albania. The Green and Whites had a Europa League qualifier at FK Kukesi on Thursday night but they gave the hosts no chance as they clocked up a convincing 4-0 victory.
Peter Bosz had an eagle eye on the match involving our next opponents. "It was interesting. It's always good to be able to see an opponent beforehand. But I think we can expect a different game on Sunday – we will be stronger opponents," said the Dutchman who still believes his Werkself team are at the build-up stage. Bosz added: "We trained well this week. We're not yet up to 100 per cent but we've made a good start and are getting fitter and fitter."
Following his precautionary self-isolation in Jamaica, winger Leon Bailey flew back to Germany on Friday and has already been tested. There will be a second test on Saturday. "If everything is normal then he will train with us on Monday," Bosz explained. "The most important thing will be to have the chance to talk to him – that should happen on Monday. Then we’ll be able to put together a plan for him so that he can return to action as soon as possible."
According to the 56-year-old, new signing Patrik Schick is ready to start. The Czech Republic striker is still not 100 per cent fit. But: "Whether or not he can play from the start on Sunday? Yes, he can," declared the head coach.
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The match officials will be appointed on the day of the game
Attendance: 500
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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